NY’s largest power plant to become renewable energy hub – EQ Mag Pro
Rise Light and Power will redevelop its Ravenswood Generating Station as a facility for clean energy sources
Rise Light and Power is redeveloping its Ravenswood Generating Station as a new renewable energy hub to help New York achieve its nation-leading climate goals.
Renewable Ravenswood will reposition the 27-acre waterfront industrial site to serve as a central hub that can integrate clean energy sources, including offshore wind and upstate wind and solar, directly into New York City’s electric grid in a coordinated, planned, and reliable manner.
The project will advance New York’s efforts to accelerate the retirement of the state’s fossil fuel facilities by 2030, particularly those located near historically disadvantaged communities.
It will replace fossil fuel power with homegrown and locally sourced clean energy while also providing economic opportunities and environmental justice for both its workforce and surrounding communities.
Plans for Renewable Ravenswood were developed based on engagement with local labour leaders, government officials, and environmental justice and community advocates to ensure delivery of unprecedented benefits, Rise said.
They will encompass five programs including offshore wind, upstate renewables, clean thermal energy, energy storage and a just workforce transition, it added.
If approved by regulators, Ravenswood would power more than 2 million New York homes with renewable energy, in addition to providing clean heating and cooling for up to 15,000 local residences.
Rise plans to file the first of many formal plans and detailed applications with state energy regulators and authorities later this year.
Each of Renewable Ravenswood’s five programs are subject to a number of regulatory approvals, and further details will be made available in the coming months.
Rise Light and Power CEO Clint Plummer said: “New York City has for too long relied almost exclusively on fossil fuels to power the city.
“Our future demands innovative and reliable clean energy solutions, and we will deliver just that with our bold move to retire Ravenswood’s 1960s-era fossil fuel units and transition to a Renewable Ravenswood in its place.
“Rise Light & Power’s vision for a Renewable Ravenswood will transform New York’s energy system and help the state achieve its ambitious climate targets.”
Utility Workers of America Local 1-2 president Jim Shillitto said: “The union employees that have proudly run Ravenswood for years will continue to do so because New York City and Rise Light & Power understand the expertise our brothers and sisters bring to the plant every day.
“Union workers built and operated the energy infrastructure that powered the nation over the last century, and we are ready to do the same for the next 100 years.
“We applaud Rise for recognizing the valuable expertise of our workers and for helping to ready them for jobs in the growing clean energy industry.”
Source: renews
