NYSERDA’s Build-Ready Program advances large-scale renewable energy projects on underutilized land, such as brownfields, landfills, abandoned or existing commercial and industrial sites, and parking lots. Working with local partners and stakeholders, the Build-Ready Program identifies and de-risks projects by carrying out design, engineering, environmental, permitting, and electric grid interconnection activities as well as developing project host community benefit packages. The Build-Ready Program runs competitive request for proposals (RFP) to sell and transfer projects to the private sector for final design, financing, construction, ownership, and operation and to procure Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) created through the production of renewable energy from Build-Ready projects. 

PREFERRED SITES FOR CONSIDERATION 

NYSERDA is seeking prospective Build-Ready sites that:  

(1) Fall within one of the following land use types: 

• Have at least 15 acres upon which a project could be built (i.e., excludes area covered by buildings, existing infrastructure, ponds, etc.). Sites smaller than 15 acres will not be considered through this RFI. Larger sites will be prioritized for consideration. 

• Dormant electric generating sites. 

• Former industrial sites. 

• Existing or abandoned commercial sites. 

• Brownfields. 

• Landfills. 

• Parking Lots. 

• Other underutilized sites. 

(2) Have flat or gently sloped terrain. 

(3) Are not in active agricultural use or within designated agricultural districts.