14 DAY TRIAL // Earlier this week, Andrew M. Cuomo, the current governor of the state of New York in the US, announced a series of grants for solar energy projects amounting to $28.6 million (€20.77 million).
The grants were made available as part of the state's NY-Sun Initiative, and the money is to be split between 29 large-scale photovoltaic projects and 8 projects intended to reduce the costs associated with setting solar installations in place.
Thus, the 29 photovoltaic projects are set to receive funding amounting to $25.8 million (€18.73 million). The 8 solar cost-reduction costs, on the other hand, will receive awards amounting to $2.8 million (€2.03 million), information shared with the public says.
According to Eco Watch, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo expects that the 29 large-scale photovoltaic projects funded under this latest green-oriented initiative will help the state gain an additional 33.6 megawatts worth of solar capacity.
The same source details that, since two years ago when the NY-Sun Initiative kicked into gear until present day, the program has helped the state add 299 megawatts worth of solar projects, some of which are still under construction.
In 2013 alone, the state is estimated to have installed solar capacity amounting to 69.4 megawatts.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo estimates that, once all these projects are completed and go online, the state of New York will manage to reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions by about 145,000 tons.
In a recent interview, the Governor wished to stress the fact that, “The NY-Sun initiative has played an essential role in our efforts to grow the solar industry in New York and create cleaner communities across the state.”
“With these awards, we aren’t just investing in clean, renewable energy: we are investing in New York’s future. New York State is continuing to expand its clean-energy economy by partnering with the private sector to support innovative solar projects,” he went on to say.
John B. Rhodes with NYSERDA (the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), which oversees the NY-Sun Initiative, believes that, thanks to these new awards, the state will not only further up its dependence on renewables, but will also take steps towards reducing energy costs and putting less pressure on its grid.
“These investments have multiple impacts, from reduced energy costs to lowered demand on the electric grid. This is a win-win for all New Yorkers,” John B. Rhodes, president and CEO of NYSERDA, said in a statement.