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Build-Ready Program

 

Overview

NYSERDA is partnering with local communities across New York State to identify and advance under-utilized land for renewable energy projects. NYSERDA takes difficult sites and makes them "build-ready" for private renewable energy developers to ultimately construct and operate.

Renewable energy projects not only provide a source of energy that is environmentally sustainable—they make good neighbors by unlocking new revenue, creating local jobs, and transforming previously under-utilized spaces. 

Under-utilized lands include, but are not limited to:  

  • Existing or abandoned commercial sites
  • Brownfields 
  • Landfills
  • Former commercial or industrial sites
  • Dormant electric generating sites
  • Parking Lots

How Build-Ready Works

  1. Site Nomination and Identification Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page.: An elected official, local community member, private company, or other interested party nominates a potential Build-Ready site through our nomination form.
  2. Site Evaluation: NYSERDA conducts an evaluation to assess the viability of the site.    
  3. Permitting, Design, Interconnection & Benefits: If the site is viable, NYSERDA works with municipalities to advance the permitting, design and interconnection process. In parallel, NYSERDA actively engages with the host community to put together a customized benefits package.  
  4. Auction Site, Construction & Operation: NYSERDA auctions the site to private renewable energy developers through an open and competitive request for proposal (RFP) process for construction and operation. 

Project Sites

NYSERDA is advancing Build-Ready project sites through initial assessment and analysis of technical development potential.

Learn More 

Program Opportunities

Request for Proposals (BRRFP23-1)

Build-Ready is running a competitive RFP to auction its first site, the BR Benson Mines Solar project, a 12 MW ac solar facility located in St. Lawrence County and sited within the boundaries of Benson Mines on a former tailings pile. Once operational, it’s expected to be one of the largest solar projects in the Adirondack Park. Build-Ready is seeking a partner to finalize the outstanding development milestones, finance, construct, own and operate the project. Interested parties can learn more about the Request for Proposals (BRRFP23-1) and the BR Benson Mines Solar Project and are encouraged to register for an upcoming webinar Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page. that will provide an overview of the Benson Mines project and the Build-Ready auction process on October 17, 2023 at 11 AM.

Nominate a Site Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page.

Elected officials, local community members, private companies, or other interested parties can nominate a potential Build-Ready site through our nomination form. Once you submit your site, a Build-Ready Program team member will be in touch with you to discuss your site.

Request for Information (RFI)

There are no RFI opportunities at this time, please check back at a later date.

Resources

Webinars

Program Documents

The Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act legislation may be accessed via Part JJJ of the Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation (TED) Bill, beginning on page 103 Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page..