NYPA’s Updated Strategic Plan for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development

Introduction and Alignment with Global Goals

On July 29, 2025, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) issued a draft of its Updated Strategic Plan, outlining a major initiative to develop up to seven gigawatts (GW) of renewable generation capacity. This plan represents a significant commitment to advancing several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), positioning New York State as a leader in sustainable energy transition. The strategy is fundamentally aligned with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), aiming to build resilient infrastructure and provide a reliable supply of clean power.

Advancing Clean Energy and Climate Action (SDG 7 & SDG 13)

Plan Expansion and Project Scope

The Updated Plan significantly expands upon an original 3 GW proposal, now targeting nearly 7 GW of new capacity through 61 identified projects. This portfolio is a direct measure to combat climate change and increase the share of renewable energy in the state’s energy mix, directly supporting the targets of SDG 7. The projects include:

• Solar PV facilities ranging from 1 MW to 350 MW.
• Wind facilities up to 449 MW.
• Energy storage facilities of various technologies, with capacities up to 500 MW.

Statutory Framework: The Build Public Renewables Act (BPRA)

Enacted in 2023, the BPRA provides the statutory authority for this initiative. It mandates that NYPA develop renewable energy projects to support the state’s climate goals, as established by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. This legal framework ensures that NYPA’s actions are directly contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by creating a pathway to a low-carbon energy system and fulfilling the core mission of SDG 7 to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

Fostering Sustainable Partnerships and Economic Growth (SDG 17 & SDG 8)

Public-Private Partnership Model

The plan will be executed through a public-private partnership model, where NYPA will co-develop projects with private entities. This collaborative approach is a key tenet of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), leveraging private sector innovation and investment to achieve public sustainability objectives. A critical condition of these partnerships is that NYPA must maintain a majority ownership stake in all projects, ensuring public oversight and alignment with state goals.

Promoting Decent Work and Local Economies

The BPRA and associated Public Authorities Law impose specific labor standards that directly advance SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). These requirements ensure that the transition to clean energy also fosters quality employment and economic benefits. Key provisions include:

• Classification of all project work as “public work,” subject to Articles 8 and 9 of the Labor Law.
• Mandatory utilization of project labor agreements with labor organizations.

Ensuring Inclusive and Responsible Development (SDG 9, SDG 10 & SDG 12)

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Innovation

The development of 7 GW of new energy facilities constitutes a massive investment in sustainable and resilient infrastructure, a core target of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By incorporating diverse technologies like solar, wind, and energy storage, the plan fosters innovation and strengthens the state’s energy grid against future challenges.

Commitment to Inclusivity and Reduced Inequalities

The plan includes explicit requirements to ensure that economic benefits are distributed equitably, a direct contribution to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Procurement contracts under the plan must adhere to state laws promoting the use of diverse businesses, including:

• Compliance with Article 15-A of the Executive Law, supporting certified minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs).
• Compliance with Article 3 of the Veterans’ Services Law, supporting certified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOBs).

Promoting Responsible Production

To foster sustainable domestic supply chains, the plan mandates the use of project components and equipment that are “made in whole or substantial part in the United States.” This “Buy American” provision aligns with the principles of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging localized manufacturing and reducing the environmental footprint of long-distance supply chains.

Procedural Framework and Next Steps

Key Considerations for Development Partners

Private developers seeking to partner with NYPA must navigate a unique regulatory and contractual landscape. The process differs significantly from typical private-sector engagements and includes several key requirements:

1. Developers must be pre-qualified by NYPA.
2. A project must be included in the approved Strategic Plan before a partnership can commence.
3. NYPA is legally required to take and maintain a majority-ownership position in each project.
4. Procurement contracts are subject to NYPA’s Guidelines and may require New York State Comptroller approval for non-competitive contracts over $1 million.

Timeline for Implementation

The plan is currently under review, with a defined timeline for finalization. Public comments on the draft plan are due by September 12, 2025, with virtual public hearings scheduled for August 19 and 20, 2025. The NYPA Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the adoption of the Updated Plan on December 9, 2025. NYPA will reopen the pre-qualification process annually to expand its roster of potential development partners for future strategic plans.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Identified SDG Targets

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
     
     Explanation: The article’s central theme is the “NYPA Renewables Updated Strategic Plan,” which aims to develop “nearly 7 GW of solar PV, wind and energy storage capacity.” This directly contributes to increasing the share of renewable energy in New York State’s energy mix.
   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
     
     Explanation: The plan facilitates investment in clean energy infrastructure by creating a framework for NYPA to “contract with private developers to build and co-own” renewable generation facilities. This public-private model is designed to promote investment in clean energy technology.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
     
     Explanation: The article states that the Build Public Renewables Act (BPRA) requires the “classification of work on projects as ‘public work’ and regulated by Articles 8 and 9 of the Labor Law,” and mandates the use of a “project labor agreement.” This ensures the protection of labor rights for workers on these projects.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.
     
     Explanation: The plan involves developing “61 individual projects totaling nearly 7 GW” of new renewable energy infrastructure. The BPRA explicitly directs NYPA to develop these projects to “provide or maintain an adequate and reliable supply of electric power and energy in the state.”
   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
     
     Explanation: The entire initiative is focused on upgrading the state’s energy infrastructure by building new solar, wind, and energy storage facilities, which are clean and environmentally sound technologies, replacing older, less sustainable forms of energy generation.

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social and economic inclusion of all.
     
     Explanation: The article specifies that projects must comply with “Article 15-A of the Executive Law (concerning certified minority- and women-owned businesses) and Article 3 of the Veterans’ Services Law (concerning certified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses).” This is a direct policy measure to ensure the economic inclusion of these specific groups.

5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.b: …substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards… resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change…
     
     Explanation: The “NYPA Renewables Updated Strategic Plan” is a state-level integrated plan aimed at climate change mitigation and resource efficiency through the large-scale deployment of renewable energy, which benefits all communities within the state.

6. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
     
     Explanation: The article clearly states that the BPRA directs NYPA to develop renewable energy projects to “support the state’s renewable energy goals established pursuant to the climate leadership and community protection act.” This demonstrates the integration of climate action into state-level law and strategic planning.

7. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
     
     Explanation: The entire operational model described in the article is based on public-private partnerships. NYPA, a public authority, is directed to “plan, design, develop, finance, construct, own, operate, maintain and improve, either alone or jointly with other entities, through the use of public-private agreements.”

Implied or Mentioned Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Indicator: Total installed capacity of renewable energy generation.
     
     Explanation: The article provides a specific, quantifiable metric for this indicator: the plan designates projects “totaling nearly 7 GW of solar PV, wind and energy storage capacity.” Progress can be measured by the amount of this capacity that is successfully developed and brought online.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Indicator: Level of national compliance with labour rights.
     
     Explanation: The article implies this indicator by mentioning the legal requirements for “compliance with Articles 8 and 9 of the Labor Law” and the mandatory use of a “project labor agreement.” Monitoring adherence to these legal frameworks serves as the indicator.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Indicator: Investment in new infrastructure.
     
     Explanation: While a dollar amount is not given, the scale of the investment is indicated by the “61 individual projects” and the “nearly 7 GW of capacity” planned. The number of projects initiated and the total capacity built would serve as a proxy for investment.
   • Indicator: Share of domestically manufactured components.
     
     Explanation: The article mentions a requirement for “the use of project components and equipment that are ‘made in whole or substantial part in the United States’.” Measuring the percentage of components that meet this criterion would be a direct indicator.

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Indicator: Proportion of procurement contracts awarded to minority/women/veteran-owned businesses.
     
     Explanation: The article’s reference to mandatory compliance with laws concerning “certified minority- and women-owned businesses” and “certified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses” implies that the tracking of contracts awarded to these groups will be a measure of success.

5. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Indicator: Implementation of a state-level climate change mitigation strategy.
     
     Explanation: The “NYPA Renewables Updated Strategic Plan” itself is the indicator. Its adoption by the NYPA Board of Trustees and subsequent execution, as detailed in the article, represents progress on this indicator.

6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Indicator: Number of public-private partnerships established for sustainable development.
     
     Explanation: The article describes a process where NYPA will select from “61 individual projects” to form partnerships. The number of agreements finalized with private developers for co-development or acquisition would be a direct measure of this indicator.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: foleyhoag.com