The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has announced a new competitive solicitation aimed at advancing large-scale land-based renewable energy projects, as the state seeks to accelerate clean energy deployment and ensure reliable and affordable power.

The initiative, known as RESRFP26-1, focuses on mature projects that are ready to begin construction, including land-based wind, hydroelectric and solar developments. A key objective is to enable these projects to take advantage of expiring federal clean energy tax credits, helping reduce costs for ratepayers while ensuring projects move forward.

According to NYSERDA, the solicitation will procure renewable energy certificates from eligible projects and incorporates lessons learned from previous rounds. It includes provisions related to component cost indexing, labor standards, stakeholder engagement, commitments to disadvantaged communities, and agricultural land preservation.

The process will be carried out in two stages. Initial eligibility submissions are due by May 19, 2026. Non-price proposals must be submitted by June 25, followed by price proposals on July 30. Conditional awards are expected in September 2026, with final project announcements to follow once contracts are executed.

The move comes as New York continues to build out a substantial renewable energy pipeline. The state currently has 61 large-scale projects under development, including solar, onshore wind, hydroelectric and offshore wind, which are expected to deliver more than 9 GW of capacity—enough to power approximately 4.1 million homes.

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, pointed  the importance of the initiative amid federal challenges. She stated that supporting additional land-based renewable projects will strengthen the state’s energy independence, expand its renewables pipeline and contribute to affordability, while generating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth.

Rory Christian, Chair of the Public Service Commission and CEO of the Department of Public Service, highlighted the importance of adding new capacity to the grid, noting that recent federal developments have created significant challenges for large-scale renewable deployment.

Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, emphasized that the solicitation will help deliver projects that reduce emissions, improve energy independence and lower costs for consumers, particularly as federal support mechanisms are rolled back.

Roberta Reardon, Commissioner of the Department of Labor, pointed to the employment benefits of the initiative, stating that investment in clean energy will create new job opportunities and support workforce development across the state.

Lawmakers also welcomed the announcement. Kevin Parker, New York State Senator, described the solicitation as a necessary step to accelerate renewable deployment as federal incentives phase out, while Pete Harckham, New York State Senator, stressed the importance of large-scale renewables in reducing utility costs and protecting public health. Didi Barrett, New York State Assemblymember, added that the initiative builds on the state’s existing 9 GW pipeline and supports climate goals while lowering costs for ratepayers.

Industry and labor groups also expressed support. Marguerite Wells highlighted the growing recognition of the benefits of renewable projects, while Julie Tighe pointed to the importance of labor standards and equitable transition measures included in the solicitation.

Labor representatives emphasized the employment impact of the initiative. Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO, and Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building Trades, stated that the projects will support union jobs and contribute to the development of the state’s clean energy economy.

Finally, Chris Casey, Managing Utility Regulatory Director for New York at the Natural Resources Defense Council, emphasized that securing federal tax credits before they expire will be key to delivering low-cost energy and protecting consumers from fossil fuel price volatility.

The solicitation marks a new step in New York’s strategy to maintain momentum in its clean energy transition while addressing evolving federal and market challenges.