Land-Based Renewable Energy Solicitation Announced

April 24, 2026

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced the launch of a land-based renewable energy solicitation to continue to support New York's large-scale renewable industry and advance clean energy deployment while delivering reliable and affordable energy to all New Yorkers. The solicitation is focused on advancing mature large-scale renewable energy projects ready to begin construction.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “By supporting additional land-based renewable energy projects at a time when we are facing significant federal headwinds, we continue to grow an already substantial renewables pipeline – furthering New York’s energy independence and keeping our focus on energy affordability. These project investments will result in thousands of new jobs, billions of dollars in economic growth, and injections of private investments into our local communities, contributing significantly to a more reliable and sustainable energy future that New Yorkers deserve.”

This competitive solicitation (RESRFP26-1), administered by NYSERDA, seeks to procure renewable energy certificates from eligible mature projects, such as land-based wind, hydroelectric and solar energy projects, with a focus on qualifying projects for which expiring federal tax credits will be accessed. Leveraging sunsetting federal clean energy tax credits will reduce costs for ratepayers and ensure that as many projects as possible can successfully move to construction and begin providing clean power to New York homes and businesses. Therefore, eligible project developers advancing mid-to-late-stage renewable energy projects are encouraged to participate.

The solicitation incorporates best practices and lessons learned from prior procurements, including key provisions on component cost indexing, labor provisions, stakeholder engagement requirements, disadvantaged community commitments, and agricultural land preservation practices to ensure an equitable energy transition that benefits all New Yorkers. To expedite the timeline to commence contracting with successful projects, NYSERDA continues to streamline bid requirements, with full details outlined in the solicitation documents.

The process for submitting proposals into the land-based renewables solicitation will be conducted in two steps. Step one eligibility requirements are due on May 19, 2026, to confirm that interested projects are eligible to bid. Non-price components of step two bid proposals are due on June 25, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. and price components of bid proposals are due on July 30, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. Conditional award notifications to selected proposers are expected by September 2026, followed by an announcement of selected projects once the awarded contracts have been executed. The development of these projects is expected to spur billions in clean energy investments and create thousands of good paying jobs in the clean energy economy across New York. 

New York's current pipeline of large-scale renewable energy is comprised of 61 solar, land-based wind, hydroelectric and offshore wind projects under development that are expected to deliver over 9 gigawatts of clean power to the grid once completed - enough to power 4.1 million New York homes.

Public Service Commission Chair and Department of Public Service CEO Rory Christian said, “As we navigate the complex scenarios affecting our energy infrastructure system, every megawatt of supply connected to New York’s energy grid counts toward ensuring New Yorkers continue to receive the safe, reliable, and affordable, service customers expect and deserve. Unexpected developments at the federal level in recent years created major challenges for large-scale renewable development, thereby jeopardizing the state and nation’s ability to advance needed supply additions. Support designed to send these projects over the finish line to completion is essential, responsible, and responsive to the current moment.”

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “New Yorkers are fortunate to have Governor Hochul fighting for clean energy when the federal government is walking back progress we've already made and stripping away the tax credits we need to keep going. NYSERDA's competitive solicitation will help get land-based renewables projects built - and these projects mean real benefits for communities: lower harmful emissions, greater energy independence, and more affordable power.”

Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “By investing in clean energy, New York State is paving a path to a more environmentally friendly and affordable future for families statewide. By supporting these projects, we are opening doors to exciting job opportunities, and the New State Department of Labor stands ready to guide job seekers to the training they need to thrive in these new careers.”

Senator Kevin Parker said, “This land-based renewable energy solicitation is exactly the kind of bold, forward-looking action New York needs right now. As federal clean energy incentives begin to phase out, we cannot afford to hesitate if we must accelerate. By advancing shovel-ready wind, solar, and hydro projects, we are not only strengthening our energy independence; but we are also driving down long-term costs for ratepayers and delivering real economic opportunity across our state. This is about more than megawatts; it’s about equity, reliability, and accountability. From labor protections to commitments for disadvantaged communities, this solicitation ensures that the transition to clean energy is both just and inclusive. New York is once again proving that we can lead the nation in building a clean energy economy that works for everyone, not just a select few.”

Senator Pete Harckham said, “Increasing our commitments to large-scale renewable energy projects is absolutely critical to providing residents relief from high utility bills in addition to protecting our environment and public health. Taking advantage of expiring federal credits to support renewable energy is a smart move. Thank you to the NYSERDA staff for their tireless work to see that these projects materialize. I look forward to seeing the benefits passed on to ratepayers.”

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “This new solicitation will build on New York’s existing queue of 9 GWs of land-based renewables, another critical investment to help us reach our climate goals. In light of headwinds from the federal government, I thank NYSERDA for their focus on maximizing projects that can utilize federal incentives before they’re gone – reducing costs to ratepayers while continuing to move us to clean energy.”

Alliance for Clean Energy New York Executive Director Marguerite Wells said, “The case to build home-grown, secure, reliable, and price-stable energy has never been more clear. Thank you to Governor Hochul and the staff of NYSERDA for continuing the important work of deploying these technologies across New York. The benefits these projects bring to their host communities and our state are starting to be more widely recognized, and will only be more evident as more projects come online.”

New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “By prioritizing shovel-ready projects and leveraging expiring federal tax credits, NYSERDA’s latest large-scale renewable energy solicitation will help deliver cost-effective clean power to New York while supporting high-quality union jobs across the state. At the same time, the solicitation’s labor standards, community engagement requirements, and commitment to disadvantaged communities will help ensure New York’s transition to a clean energy economy is both equitable and responsible. We applaud Governor Hochul and NYSERDA President Doreen Harris for their leadership and commitment to delivering a healthier, more sustainable future for New York.”

New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, “Today’s announcement marks another milestone in strengthening energy reliability and moving us closer to achieving New York’s renewable energy goals. We look forward to continuing to work with NYSERDA to ensure these projects adhere to robust labor standards and protections, creating solid union careers as we continue to transition to a clean energy economy.”

New York State Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera said, “The continued advancement of clean energy development in New York State represents significant progress in establishing our green economy and the good paying union careers that come with it. The deployment of these projects will not only help us reach our standard-setting climate goals and deliver reliable clean energy to all New Yorkers, but it will also open up countless opportunities for hardworking people to pursue the middle class and support their families. We applaud NYSERDA for their ongoing work to streamline these crucial energy initiatives and look forward to our continued collaboration in pushing these projects forward."

Natural Resources Defense Council Managing Utility Regulatory Director New York Chris Casey said, “New York State cannot afford to miss the cost-reduction opportunity that comes with the federal tax credits set to expire under current law—especially as electricity prices rise in response to fossil fuel price spikes. Mature projects that secure these credits before they sunset will deliver some of the lowest-cost energy available to the state for years to come. Advancing them now is one of the most effective near-term steps to improve affordability, reduce emissions, and protect customers from ongoing fossil fuel price volatility.”

More details on the land-based renewable energy solicitation are available on the Large-Scale Renewables Solicitation page on NYSERDA’s website.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

NYSERDA

Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York’s energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov .