CS Energy and Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group Partner to Deliver 216 MWdc of Utility-Scale Solar in New York

Projects are the first utility-scale solar projects under construction in upstate New York

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Apr 27, 2021, 08:41 ET

ALBANY, N.Y., April 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CS Energy, a leading integrated energy firm that designs and builds optimized projects in the solar, storage, and emerging energy industries, in close partnership with the Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group (GSRP) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), successfully developed and initiated construction on 216 megawatts-dc (MWdc) of new utility-scale solar projects across New York. The projects are expected to achieve commercial operations by the end of 2021, making them the first operational utility-scale solar projects in upstate New York.

Located in Easton, New York, the Branscomb Solar project was recently recognized as the first utility scale solar project to start final stage of construction in upstate New York.

The portfolio consists of the following geographically diverse mix of projects:

Darby Solar – 27 MWdc – Capital Region – Easton, NY
Branscomb Solar – 27 MWdc – Capital Region – Easton, NY
Stillwater Solar* – 27 MWdc – Capital Region – Stillwater, NY
Grissom Solar – 27 MWdc – Mohawk Valley – Mohawk, NY
Regan Solar – 27 MWdc – Mohawk Valley – Mohawk, NY
Pattersonville Solar – 27 MWdc – Mohawk Valley – Pattersonville, NY
Janis Solar – 27 MWdc – Southern Tier – Willet, NY
Puckett Solar – 27 MWdc – Southern Tier – Greene, NY

* Stillwater Solar was developed by East Light Partners, acquired by GSRP, and is being constructed by CS Energy.

In 2016, under the direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York's Public Service Commission established the Clean Energy Standard, which has been further bolstered by 2019's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, committing that 70 percent of the electricity consumed in New York would be generated by renewable energy sources by 2030. The eight solar projects, developed in close coordination with the local community and regional stakeholders, were awarded contracts by NYSERDA as part of its Renewable Energy Standard Request for Proposals in 2017 and 2018.

Generating over 500 construction jobs, the solar portfolio will further support the jobs segment of renewable energy installers—already recognized as being among the fastest growing job segments in New York. Beyond jobs, the projects represent over $160 million of private investment and are expected to generate over $80 million in benefits into local communities and regions. These benefits accrue to local landowners, property tax jurisdictions, as well as the local contractors who will provide ongoing operations and maintenance support for the projects.

"CS Energy is proud to continue to support New York as it achieves its ambitious clean energy goals," said Eric Millard, Chief Commercial Officer of CS Energy. "As the leading solar company in the state, we are proud to be leading upstate New York's first utility-scale solar projects in close collaboration with local communities. Furthermore, we're pleased to have partnered with the fantastic teams at Goldman Sachs Renewable Power, NYSERDA, and National Grid, all of whom have made significant contributions towards the success of these projects."

This portfolio represents a significant step toward CS Energy's goal of being the preeminent solar company in New York State. To date, CS Energy has built over 150 MWdc of solar projects in New York, and by the end of 2021 that number will be close to 500 MWdc. CS Energy recently opened a regional headquarters in Albany to further support the company's growth. It currently employs more than 45 full time project management and engineering staff in New York and supports a robust network of construction labor, local suppliers and subcontractors. CS Energy has already been recognized for its leading role in the state's renewable energy industry and was recently named the #1 solar contractor in New York by Solar Power World in its annual ranking of top solar companies nationwide.

CS Energy chose to partner with the Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group to provide the financing and asset management services required to successfully construct, own and operate the projects. Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group is deeply committed to renewable energy, and currently owns and operates more than 2.3 GW of clean power across the country.

"The GSAM Renewable Power Group is excited that The State of New York has demonstrated such decisive leadership with the Clean Energy Standard, which is critical for renewable energy project development and capital formation in New York," said Michael Conti, Vice President of GSAM Renewable Power Group. "We are happy to support the state's initiative and work with CS Energy, a company that shares our focus on delivering exceptional quality to its customers while helping to realize a low-carbon future for the people of New York."

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, "The commencement of construction of this utility-scale solar portfolio is a major milestone for NYSERDA's Large-Scale Renewables Program and represents the significant progress we are making together to get the state's pipeline of projects built in 2021. Our nation-leading Clean Energy Standard will have a lasting impact on communities across our state, and we appreciate the work that CS Energy and Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group are doing to help us achieve our ambitious, yet achievable, clean energy goals."

"National Grid is proud of our long history of working with our customers, elected leaders, NYSERDA and renewable energy developers like CS Energy and Goldman Sachs Renewable Power to ensure we are doing all we can to deliver clean energy to New York's homes and businesses," said Rudy Wynter, President of National Grid NY. "For us, it's an opportunity to invest in the next generation of energy infrastructure, advance our mutual clean energy goals, ensure a safe reliable, affordable energy delivery system and – importantly – it's an opportunity to leave things a bit better than we found them for the next generation."

About CS Energy
CS Energy is an industry-leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) energy firm that designs and builds optimized projects in solar, energy storage, and emerging energy industries. CS Energy's attention to detail, flawless execution and highly talented workforce has enabled the company to successfully design and install over 1 GW of solar projects across the United States. CS Energy leverages strong relationships with solar developers, IPPs, utilities, off-takers, suppliers, and landowners to help our customers streamline the project development process, lower project costs, and create value for all stakeholders. Majority-owned by Ares Infrastructure and Power, CS Energy has an experienced and committed management team and the financial resources required to continue expanding its solar and energy storage business as a trusted and long-term partner.

CS Energy Media Contact:
Kevin Magayah
732.361.4349
[email protected]

About Goldman Sachs Reewable Power LLC
Goldman Sachs Renewable Power LLC is a privately held company managed by the Renewable Power Group of Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM). GSRP is the sponsor of more than 800 solar projects across 27 U.S. states that collectively have a capacity of more than 2.3 gigawatts of clean, renewable power. GSAM's Renewable Power Group is comprised of investment professionals with leading industry expertise across transaction sourcing, financial analysis, power markets and physical asset analysis and operations. The team takes a long-term ownership approach to the operations and management of renewable assets and benefits from Goldman Sachs' extensive network of relationships, leading institutional infrastructure and in-house industry knowledge and experience. The Renewable Power Group is part of GSAM, one of the world's leading asset managers with approximately $2.0 trillion in assets under supervision globally as of December 31, 2020.

Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Media Contact:
Patrick Scanlan
212.902.5400
[email protected]

SOURCE CS Energy