Projects, including Plug Power Inc’s green energy technology facility, include total capital investments of over $650 million
Press release
BATAVIA, NY – The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider six projects at its March 25, 2021 meeting. In addition to considering final approval of incentives for Plug Power Inc’s proposed $232.7 million green energy technology facility at Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park STAMP, projects totaling another $420 million of capital investment in Genesee County will be considered.
This includes Plug Power’s proposal to invest $55 million for the construction of a 345/115KV electric substation in partnership with the New York Power Authority and National Grid. The substation will support future expansion and growth opportunities at STAMP’s 1,250-acre mega site.
Plug Power’s facility would initially create approximately 68 new jobs at an average starting salary of approximately $70,000, and contribute approximately $2.3 million annually to support local municipalities and infrastructure development under a 20-year agreement.
A public hearing on the proposed incentives was held March 22, 2021.
Additionally, the GCEDC Board of Directors will consider final approval of applications for incentives for three community solar projects.
· Forefront Power LLC (Elba Solar) is proposing to invest $9.7 million in a community solar project on Norton Road in the town of Elba. The project will generate 5MW of power and will generate approximately $518,803 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Elba, and the Elba Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.
· Solar Liberty is proposing to invest $7.7 million in two community solar projects on Tesnow Road in the town of Pembroke. The projects will generate 4MW and 5MW of power and will generate approximately $856,024 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Pembroke, and the Akron Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.
Additionally, the GCEDC Board of Directors will consider accepting initial applications for two other projects.
· Excelsior Energy LLC is proposing to invest $345.55 million in a utility scale solar project on multiple properties in the town of Byron. The project will generate 280 MW of power. Excelsior has negotiated a 20-year tax and community host agreements, including payments of $6,500 per MW, with a 2% annual escalator, to Genesee County, the town of Byron, and the Byron-Bergen School District.
· DePaul Special Needs Apartments LP is proposing to invest $3.75 million to expand by 20 living units an existing special needs housing campus in the city of Batavia. The project would increase annual PILOT payments by approximately $6,000 per year for the remainder of the facility’s existing PILOT schedule.
The GCEDC Board meeting will take place on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 4 p.m. Because of the COVID19 pandemic the meeting will be conducted via conference and on-line at www.gcedc.com.