Harvesting the Sun to Power an Economic Boon to the Town of Ripley and Chautauqua County
Repsol Renewables is developing a large-scale solar project in South Ripley along NE Sherman Road. The South Ripley Solar Project will be an up to 270 megawatt (MW) solar project, which has the potential to power over 60,000 homes in New York State annually. Repsol Renewables expects to use 1,250 to 1,500 acres to host project infrastructure, and the project will be located wholly within the town boundaries of Ripley.
The Project filed its New York State Article VIII siting application in August 2021 and received its siting permit from ORES in April 2023. The expected commercial operation date is Q4 2027.
Local Economic Benefits of the South Ripley Solar Project
Providing additional tax revenues of more than $800,000 annually to the Town of Ripley, totaling more than $26.8 million over its operational life. The increased annual revenue would comprise approximately 100% of the Town’s total annual property tax levy, allowing for reduced taxes for all residents of Ripley or increased spending on public services and other critically important infrastructure.
Providing additional tax revenues of more than $389,000 annually to the local school districts, which could total more than $15.5 million over the life of the project for the Sherman and Ripley School Districts.
Providing more than $190,000 annually in increased property tax revenue to Chautauqua County, totaling more than $7.8 million over the project’s life.
Providing additional revenues to the Ripley Hose Company Station 1, Ripley, and Ripley Hose Company Station 2, South Ripley, averaging more than $189,000 annually and totaling more than $5.6 million in payments over the project’s life.
Creating up to 220 family-wage construction jobs directly and supporting other jobs by increasing business activity among local hotels and motels, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, equipment rentals, materials suppliers, and similar businesses.
Paying more than $30 million to local landowners over the life of the project through annual lease payments, easement agreements, and good neighbor agreements, resulting in a consistent stream of revenue that can protect against fluctuating commodity prices and help maintain family farms.
Being an active participant in the local community by developing meaningful relationships that translate into long-term partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community members.
Repsol Renewables is Committed to Minimizing and Mitigating Potential Environmental Impacts
Water
Create a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, including controls for sediment and erosion to manage any stormwater discharge from the site.
Wildlife
Work with state and federal agencies and stakeholders to ensure that potential environmental impacts are fully considered, minimized, and mitigated.
Sound
Completed a noise impact assessment and developed mitigation measures to ensure that the project meets applicable sounds limits.
Visual
Completed a visual impact analysis and developed screening plans and practice to minimize the potential visual impacts.
Closure
Implement financial securities that will guarantee responsible decommissioning and restoration at the end of the project’s life.
Energy Independence
Locally generated clean energy that strengthens the grid through resource diversity.
About Repsol Renewables
Repsol Renewables is wholly owned by Repsol, a global multi-energy company that leads the energy transition and has set itself the goal of being zero net emissions by 2050.
Our Experience
With a portfolio of over 20,000 MW of wind, solar, and storage projects under development across the United States, Repsol Renewables’ experienced team has a track record of successfully identifying, developing, and building renewable energy projects. Our project successes are built on a foundation of rigorous screening and site selection, collaborative engagement with landowners and host communities, and disciplined execution through development, construction and operations.
