New York releases RFPs for 2.25-MW solar + storage project at Stewart International Airport

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) are seeking developers to install a solar PV and energy storage system at New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) in the southern Hudson Valley, just west of Newburgh. The partnership will bring additional renewable energy sources online to power operations for the New Windsor airport in the Mid-Hudson region’s Orange County while helping New York State achieve its aggressive clean energy goals.

“We’re excited to be part of this important effort to bring together community stakeholders, government and private business to advance our regional sustainability goals,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This project is a step forward in balancing economic viability and operational efficiency with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.”

The New York Stewart project is expected to generate up to 2.25 MW of distributed solar, with an option for battery storage. All of the solar energy produced will be used onsite, offsetting the Port Authority’s purchase of conventional electricity. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations will also be evaluated for inclusion in the project, and the canopy structure will allow for covered parking for airport customers.

An optional community solar component, proposed as part of the project, could allow area residents and businesses to support locally generated power and get credit toward their electric bills.

The recently released request for proposals (RFP) is seeking developers to design, construct, finance and own a solar energy system consisting of a series of arrays, which would be constructed on canopies at least 14 ft high over a portion of the long-term parking lot. The design must comply with FAA parameters, including meeting solar glare hazard analysis guidelines. Patrons at the parking lot will benefit from the covered parking lot during inclement and other extreme weather. Pricing proposals considering energy storage have also been requested and it’s highly suggested that this option be considered.

Depending on the proposals received, the project may also be structured as a community distributed generation (CDG) solar system, which could generate revenue in the form of lease payments and guaranteed credit savings from subscriptions. Up to 40% of the energy can be sold through subscription agreements to local residents and business owners. Priority would be given to the local New York Stewart community, minority/women-owned businesses, and disabled veteran-owned businesses.

The system will be hosted by the Port Authority and owned, maintained and operated by the selected solar developer with no upfront costs to PANYNJ or NYPA. The Port Authority will enter into a power purchase agreement to buy the electricity generated by the system.

The Port Authority and NYPA are also working together on New York City’s single-largest solar energy project, an installation at John F. Kennedy International Airport, which has been awarded to SunPower Corporation and Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group. Once completed, the project will allow multiple surrounding communities to access solar energy plans at reduced rates.

Two possible design concepts for the Stewart project are viewable here. Responses for the Stewart Airport solar and storage RFP are due by July 8. View the RFP here.

The NYPA and the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) announced yesterday the planned installation of up to 16 MW of solar energy on the rooftops of 46 New York City public schools and several New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sites, including its Wards Island Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility.

News item from NYPA

Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/07/new-york-seeks-rfps-for-2-25-mw-solar-storage-projecct-at-stewart-international-airport/