EDF Renewables Commences Operation of 229 MWdc/177 MWac Morris Ridge Solar Project

EDF Renewables North America (EDFR) announced Morris Ridge Solar project is fully operational and delivering electricity to the New York power grid. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded Morris Ridge a long-term contract as part of the 2018 Renewable Energy Standard Solicitation.

The Morris Ridge Solar Project, with a capacity of 229 megawatts (MWdc) / 177 MWac, is situated in the Town of Mount Morris and plays a crucial role in supporting New York State’s target of generating 70 percent of its electricity with renewable energy by 2030. The project has already had a positive impact on the local community, including Mount Morris and Livingston County, by offering procurement and employment opportunities during its development and construction phases.

At its peak, Morris Ridge Solar provided jobs for 550 people, resulting in over USD 22 million in union wages. Beyond the projected financial contributions of USD 18.6 million to the County, Town, School and Fire Districts over its operational life, the project also injected more than USD 70 million into the New York economy through expenditures for materials, services, labor, and various other expenses.

“The Morris Ridge Solar Project not only represents our commitment to renewable energy but also underscores our dedication to the economic and environmental well-being of New York State,” said Stephane Desdunes, Vice President Development for EDF Renewables Northeast Region.  “We are proud to be the first project to receive permitting through the Office of Renewable Energy Siting, marking a significant step in New York’s clean energy transition.  We are especially grateful to the host community, whose support and active participation were instrumental in realizing the largest operational solar project in New York State.  We look forward to continuing to contribute to the state’s sustainability goals in Mount Morris and other communities.”

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “It is exciting to see a renewable energy project like Morris Ridge Solar start to deliver clean, reliable electricity to New York families and businesses. This achievement is a shining example of how a community-driven project can support hundreds of local jobs while spurring meaningful economic development activity and investment in Mount Morris and Livingston County at large.”

At full capacity, the energy produced by Morris Ridge Solar is expected to satisfy the power needs of more than 47,000 average New York households. This is equivalent to avoiding nearly 140,000 metric tons of carbon (CO₂) emissions annually which is comparable to the emissions from nearly 30,000 passenger vehicles driven over the course of one year.