What's Happening?
A new solar farm is set to be developed on the Xerox campus in Webster, New York, following final site plan approval from the town's planning board. The project, named Webster Solar Garden, will be developed by
Montate Solar, a Buffalo-based company. It will cover 19 acres of land, including a former landfill, and is expected to add 5 megawatts of renewable energy capacity. The solar farm will operate under a 25-year lease with Xerox, with options for two five-year extensions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to increase renewable energy use and repurpose brownfield sites.
Why It's Important?
The development of the Webster Solar Garden is a significant step towards increasing renewable energy capacity in New York. By utilizing a brownfield site, the project not only contributes to clean energy production but also addresses land use challenges by repurposing inactive land. This aligns with state and national goals to reduce carbon emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources. The project also highlights the role of private companies like Montate Solar in driving the clean energy transition, potentially inspiring similar initiatives across the country.
