What's Happening?
Riverhead Councilman Bob Kern has announced that a combined solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at the capped Youngs Avenue landfill in Calverton is days away from completion. This project, which has been under development for three
years, features a 7-megawatt solar array expected to generate approximately 9,400 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power up to 1,500 homes. The solar array will be paired with a BESS capable of storing 13.68 megawatt-hours. The town anticipates a one-time payment of about $73,500 upon activation, based on $10,500 per megawatt, and an annual lease payment projected at $154,000, or $22,000 per megawatt. Additionally, the project is expected to provide an estimated $38,000 annually in payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT payments), with increases over time. Riverhead Town will receive credits for 40% of the project's solar output, while over 120 local households and small businesses have signed up for the remaining 60%, receiving utility bill credits without needing to install solar panels directly. The Youngs Avenue site, capped and closed since 1993, was previously considered an 'unusable piece of real estate' but is now being transformed into an economically beneficial asset.
Why It's Important?
This project is a significant step towards renewable energy and economic revitalization for Riverhead, New York. By converting a former landfill into a solar and BESS facility, the town is not only generating clean energy but also creating new revenue streams through lease payments and PILOT payments, which can help reduce property tax impacts for residents. The initiative aligns with New York State's ambitious clean energy goals, specifically Governor Kathy Hochul's objective for the state to achieve at least 10 gigawatts of distributed solar by 2030. Distributed solar, which generates electricity close to consumption, enhances local energy independence and grid stability. The inclusion of a BESS is crucial for storing excess solar energy and releasing it during peak demand, thereby stabilizing the local power supply. This model demonstrates how underutilized land can be repurposed for sustainable development, offering a blueprint for other communities facing similar challenges with former industrial sites. The project also highlights the growing trend of local governments investing in renewable energy infrastructure to achieve environmental targets and provide tangible economic benefits to their constituents.
What's Next?
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Calverton landfill solar and BESS project is expected within the next few weeks, marking its official activation. Following the switch-on, the town will receive a one-time payment and begin collecting annual lease and PILOT payments. The project will start providing electricity bill savings for the town and participating residents and businesses through solar credits. The company behind the project, Changing Visions of Energy North America (CVE), will continue to operate its first combined solar-and-battery project in New York. The success of this project may influence other East End communities that are currently weighing battery-storage regulations amid fire-safety and environmental concerns. Riverhead Councilman Ken Rothwell emphasized that modern solar panels are largely recyclable and bonding is in place to cover decommissioning and recycling at the end of the project's operating life, addressing potential environmental concerns. The use of newer Tesla battery units also contributes to confidence in the project's safety. This development could encourage further adoption of similar renewable energy projects across the state, contributing to New York's broader clean energy objectives.
Beyond the Headlines
The Calverton landfill solar project represents a broader shift in how communities view and utilize former industrial or waste sites. Beyond the immediate economic and environmental benefits, this initiative transforms a symbol of past environmental burden into a beacon of sustainable progress. The project underscores the potential for innovative land use strategies to address both energy needs and environmental remediation. It also highlights the increasing importance of energy storage solutions (BESS) in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like solar into the grid, ensuring reliability and stability. The engagement of local households and businesses through solar credits fosters community participation in clean energy initiatives, potentially increasing public acceptance and support for such projects. Furthermore, the emphasis on decommissioning plans and the recyclability of solar panels addresses long-term environmental stewardship, setting a precedent for responsible renewable energy development. This project could serve as a case study for policy-makers and urban planners on how to leverage existing infrastructure and land for future-oriented, sustainable solutions, moving beyond traditional energy paradigms.
