DSD Renewables has completed construction on its 4.3 MW community solar installation on a closed landfill and retired sand mine in Bethel, New York. Developed in support of Bethel’s 2021 Climate Action Plan, the project will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations, cut energy expenditures, and contribute to New York State’s climate goals.
“With this project, we were able to transform largely unusable real estate into an energy-generating asset that will provide economic benefits to the community,” says Kevin Hu, Senior Manager of Asset Acquisitions at DSD. “We’ve been honored to work with Bethel and are happy to add to our track record of successful brownfield projects, which will play an increasingly vital role in our nation’s clean energy future.”
The project, which has been fully operational since July 2023, will supply local communities with over 5 GWh of affordable, clean energy annually. This is the equivalent of powering over 450 homes and offsetting more than 3,500 metric tons of CO2 annually.
“To see this project come to fruition is a big win for the community and continues the legacy of preservation and action in this iconic region,” says Daniel Sturm, Bethel’s Town Supervisor. “Not only has the DSD team helped us in meeting some of our climate targets and provide energy savings for our local residents, but they’ve also played a major role in supporting clean energy initiatives across the state, and we’re happy to be a part of that.”
DSD acquired the project in 2021 and managed the construction of the system. DSD will continue to own and operate the project long-term, while Acadia manages the project subscriptions. The community solar project’s offtake will be comprised of 40% anchor customers, with 60% going to residents and small businesses.
