Solicitations for Large-Scale Renewables

2024 RES Solicitation for Tier 1 RECs

The RESRFP24-1 solicitation garnered competitive interest; NYSERDA received Bid Proposals from 38 projects, comprising 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of capacity and 6.5 terawatt hours (TWh) of generation.

The evaluation of bid proposals concluded in October 2024. NYSERDA will publicly disclose the results of the RESRFP24-1 solicitation upon the completion of contracting.

2025 RES Solicitation

NYSERDA intends to release a competitive solicitation for Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) (RESRFP25-1) in Q2 of 2025. In anticipation of such solicitation, NYSERDA also intends to offer an opportunity for stakeholders to respond to a Request for Information (RESRFI25-1), detailing the proposed schedule for RESRFP25-1 and anticipated new or salient features of the solicitation.

Draft NYSERDA Guidance for Wetlands and Stream Screenings

Effective January 1, 2025, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) implemented revised regulations for Freshwater Wetlands Jurisdiction and Classification . In response to revisions to wetland jurisdictions and classifications in New York State, NYSERDA is updating the Guidance for Wetland and Waterbody Screenings for Large-Scale Renewable Energy Projects (“Draft Guidance”) for use in the upcoming RESRFP25-1 solicitation. The Draft Guidance includes an on-site screening requirement to ensure a project as proposed to NYSERDA is capable of complying with the DEC wetland regulations. NYSERDA has previously required similar such screenings, namely the RESRFP22-1 Field Screening for Wetlands and Water Resources Delineation Report Guidelines and Requirements .

NYSERDA is releasing the Draft Guidance for stakeholder awareness, particularly for developers to have ample time to plan their commencement of any on-site screenings for projects that may be proposed into RESRFP25-1. NYSERDA plans to provide an opportunity for stakeholder feedback prior to the issuance of RESRFP25-1. Any questions can be directed to [email protected].

The Draft Guidance is available here [PDF].

Previous Solicitations

Aggregate RES and Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) information is available on the Filings, Orders, and Reports webpage and the Large-Scale Renewables Open NY database Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page. .

NYSERDA continues to work actively with communities hosting awarded renewable projects to ensure they have the tools they need to make informed decisions regarding project development.

For more information on renewable energy development and education, please contact [email protected] and consult the Renewable Energy Standard solicitation FAQs [PDF] and clean energy siting for local governments resources.

Project Siting and Permitting Resources

The resources below can help inform proposers’ decisions regarding project siting for future solicitations.

Disadvantaged Communities Resources

The Climate Act directs the Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG) to establish criteria for defining Disadvantaged Communities. On March 27, 2023, the CJWG voted to finalize Disadvantaged Communities criteria. Additional resources for identifying Disadvantaged Communities are located on the New York Climate Act website . This interactive map identifies areas throughout the State that meet the final criteria identified for a disadvantaged community.

Final Disadvantaged Communities Interactive Map Tool Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page.

Agricultural Mitigation Resources

To facilitate the protection of agricultural lands in the state’s Agricultural Districts, proposers awarded under RESRFP24-1 may be responsible for making an agricultural mitigation payment to a designated fund based on the extent to which the solar project footprint overlaps with New York’s highest quality agricultural soils, identified as Mineral Soil Groups classifications 1 through 4 (MSG 1-4). This mitigation approach intends to set a benchmark for potential agricultural mitigation payments, which solar project developers may be able to reduce by minimizing the facility’s impact on MSG 1-4 and/or introducing or retaining agricultural productivity on the project site. Instances where proposers cannot avoid or minimize impacts on MSG 1-4 will result in a payment to a fund administered by NYSERDA in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Markets to support ongoing regional agricultural practices.

Proposers can review data and an interactive map of statewide MSG 1-4 for reference.

Operational Flexibility and Grid Resources

The following NYSERDA, DPS, and NYISO studies and stakeholder proceedings are encouraged for use to inform proposers’ due diligence. Proposers should note that these resources are subject to additional updates and may be amended by other applicable studies and/or updated assessments and public data.

In 2020, New York State passed the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act [PDF] to accelerate progress towards the State’s nation-leading clean energy goals. The Act instructed the State to conduct a Power Grid Study to inform transmission system investments that will be necessary to achieve the clean energy goals of the Climate Act. The Power Grid Study is comprised of three component studies: 1) a joint utilities study on local transmission and distribution needs; 2) an offshore wind study of bulk-power transmission needs; and 3) a statewide transmission analysis to achieve the Climate Act goals. To read the studies, review public comments, and engage in the public process, visit the Department of Public Service Matter Master 20-00905/20-E-0197 Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page. or access the studies below.