New Yorkers’ electric bills are expected to drop in the next few years thanks to a game-changing solar carport and battery storage system project that broke ground last month at JFK Airport.
The solar parking garage is slated to be the state’s largest combined solar and energy storage facility, with a capacity of 12 megawatts to provide power for the airport’s AirTrain and lower energy costs for low-income residents in nearby Queens, according to Electrek.
According to a press release from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s press office, the project will also include a 6-megawatt community solar park and 7.5-megawatt additional battery storage to help relieve pressure on the grid during times of peak demand at JFK.
The project — a collaborative effort between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New York Power Authority, and global multi-energy company TotalEnergies — will be built in two phases.
Starting in March 2025, the first phase will generate power for the airport. The second phase, the community solar project, will deliver power to local Con Edison utilities for surrounding neighborhoods starting in April 2026, according to the news release. This is great news for residents struggling to keep up with rising energy costs.
“Through New York State’s Community Distributed Generation Program, the project will provide guaranteed electricity bill savings for 25 years to historically disadvantaged and environmentally impacted households. The community benefit addresses disparities in access to clean energy among low-income communities,” the statement said.
The solar garage will also benefit airline customers who need to leave their vehicles for extended periods, providing covered parking for 3,000 vehicles in JFK 9’s long-term parking lot.
When it is operational, the massive project – which will contain enough solar panels to fill 11 football fields – will also reduce global warming pollution by more than 6,000 tons each year and support the Port Authority’s mission to reach net zero pollution by 2050.
JFK is expected to produce more clean energy in the future, with rooftop solar panels planned for the renovation of Terminal 1 and Terminal 6.
As solar farms emerge around the world, including in Portugal and Morocco, and as scientists continue to make breakthroughs in creating cheaper and more efficient solar panels, this will help reduce the dangerous pollution that leads to increased extreme weather conditions and endangers countless communities. Its at risk.
“Today’s groundbreaking for the JFK Airport solar parking garage project represents an important step forward in creating efficiency and opportunity for New York State. This innovative project not only generates clean energy for the airport and reduces electricity costs for residents, but also creates jobs and economic growth. In our communities, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. said in the press release.
“By harnessing and storing the power of solar energy, we are not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also paving the way to a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Join our free newsletter to get weekly updates on the coolest innovations Improving our lives And Save our planet.
