Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) has approved a final siting permit for the Somerset solar array in the Town of Somerset, Niagara County. This 125-megawatt facility will generate clean, renewable energy and is projected to reduce carbon emissions by over 177,000 tons annually. The energy produced will be sufficient to power more than 25,000 homes.
Governor Hochul highlighted the significance of the project as an example of New York’s progress toward a clean energy economy, noting its role in creating well-paying jobs in Western New York while delivering sustainable energy solutions. The Somerset solar array will be the first ORES-permitted renewable energy facility constructed on a repurposed industrial site, utilizing land from the former Somerset Station coal plant and portions of a landfill.
The permitting process for the project involved a detailed and transparent review, with substantial public participation. The application process began with a draft permit issued in April and a public comment hearing in June, resulting in 41 public comments and written statements included in the final record.
ORES Executive Director Zeryai Hagos emphasized the state’s commitment to responsibly siting renewable energy projects and advancing its ambitious climate policies, as evidenced by the approval of nearly 3 gigawatts of clean energy since 2021. The Somerset project alone will support over 200 full-time construction jobs during its 18-month construction phase, with the majority of these roles benefiting local trades such as equipment operators, truck drivers, laborers, landscapers, and electricians. The project will also stimulate local economic activity by increasing spending at area businesses.
Host community benefits from the Somerset solar array include the creation of permanent jobs, enhanced local property tax revenues, and a host community agreement with the Town of Somerset. These advantages are expected to fund infrastructure and community priorities without significantly increasing costs for local authorities or services.
This project is the 19th large-scale renewable energy initiative approved by ORES since 2021, collectively contributing over 2.8 gigawatts of clean energy to New York State. The Somerset solar array exemplifies New York’s leadership in achieving its clean energy goals through an efficient and transparent permitting process.
New York State’s broader climate agenda emphasizes a transition to a clean energy economy by 2050, creating sustainable jobs, fostering economic growth, and ensuring equitable benefits for disadvantaged communities. Additional information on today’s decision can be found on the ORES website.
