ConnectGen announced this week that the application for its proposed South Ripley Solar Project has been deemed complete by the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting. The South Ripley Solar Project is a proposed 270 MW solar facility with a 20 MW battery energy storage component under development in the Town of Ripley and Chautauqua County.

“This is an exciting milestone for the South Ripley Solar Project, following years of comprehensive surveys and dedicated public outreach,” Caton Fenz, chief executive officer of ConnectGen said. “We want to thank the ORES staff, who invested a tremendous amount of effort to reviewing our application, and we are excited for the opportunity to help New York State further its ambitious energy goals while bringing long-term economic development to the western part of the state.”

Determination of application completeness is a key step toward final permit approval under the renewable energy siting process established by Section 94-c of Executive Law. The next steps are for the South Ripley Solar Project to receive a draft permit, which involves further state agency review, followed by additional public participation prior to final permit issuance.

The South Ripley Solar Project will provide significant long-term benefits to the town of Ripley and Chautauqua County for several decades. Through the approved PILOT and Host Community Agreements, the Project is expected to contribute over $60 million in increased revenue to local taxing jurisdictions over its 30-plus year lifespan. In addition, the Project is expected to create up to 200 family-wage construction jobs as well as supply enough electricity to power more than 55,000 average New York homes annually.

The Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter recently endorsed the Project after a thorough review of the Project’s wildlife impact mitigation practices and community benefits.