April 28, 2025

10 Megawatts to Be Installed at the Wards Island Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility, Marking the Largest Clean Energy Installation at a Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in the World

NEW YORK – Today, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) have announced the start of a project to install solar panels at the Wards Island Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). When complete, this solar array will be the largest clean energy installation at a WRRF in the world, at no upfront capital cost to the City of New York.

The project will see the installation of 10 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity and 10 MW of large-scale battery energy storage, which is projected to reduce nearly 4,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (MTCO2e), equivalent to removing close to 860 cars off the road. Additionally, the project will reduce energy usage by nearly 42,000 MMBtu, the equivalent of the energy consumption of approximately 3,000 New York City households.

“New York City is setting the standard for climate action," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "By launching the world's largest clean energy installation at a wastewater facility, our administration is demonstrating that bold sustainability is not just possible — it’s happening now. This project reflects our unwavering commitment to a greener, more resilient future for all New Yorkers.”

“With this major solar project, New York City is continuing to lead the charge against climate change, tackling complex problems with innovative, leading-edge solutions,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “Our continued partnership with NYPA advances the City’s ambitious clean energy goals while also supporting our sister agencies efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and harness energy in cleaner ways. By working with DEP on this project to install clean energy systems, we’re not only reducing emissions and limiting harmful pollutants to our environments – we’re investing in a more sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”

“I couldn’t be more proud that the world’s largest solar installation at a wastewater plant is happening right here at DEP’s Wards Island Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “This ambitious project underscores DEP’s climate leadership by reducing emissions and advancing the City’s decarbonization goals. We’re proud to partner with DCAS, NYPA, and Ameresco to build a cleaner New York City for future generations.”

“The Wards Island project will help New York City transition to a more sustainable future and set a new bar worldwide for clean energy installations at wastewater treatment plants,” said Justin E. Driscoll, president and CEO, New York Power Authority. “Supporting large-scale solar projects is a significant investment in cleaner air, economic growth and a resilient grid. To grow our state’s economy and tackle environmental challenges, we need to embrace more collaborative partnerships like this with DCAS and the DEP to develop bold, cost-effective solutions that will pave the way to a healthier planet for future generations.”

"The City is always seeking to innovate with the unique resources we have, and this trailblazing project does just that," said NYC’s Chief Decarbonization Officer and DCAS Deputy Commissioner of Energy Management Sana Barakat. "This solar installation will be the largest solar installation on a WRRF anywhere in the world, and the City's largest energy storage installation to date. With 10 MW of solar and 10 MW of battery storage in a single project, the Wards Island WRRF project significantly moves the needle toward our energy goals. I am very proud of our talented clean energy professionals who advanced this cutting-edge design and will manage the project from start to finish."

"This groundbreaking solar project at the Wards Island Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Pete Christakis, President of East USA & Greece; Project Risk at Ameresco. “By harnessing the power of solar energy and integrating large-scale battery storage, we are setting a new standard for clean energy installations at wastewater facilities worldwide. This project not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances the resilience and energy security of critical infrastructure, which are essential for mission completion. Additionally, it demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships in driving environmental progress. We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative that will benefit all New Yorkers and contribute to a resilient future.”

In September 2023, DCAS announced a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to expand clean energy generation on more than 60 city-owned buildings and six DEP facilities, including the Wards Island WRRF. Through the PPA, NYPA’s competitively selected developer, Ameresco, is responsible for installing, owning, and maintaining assets for 20 years while the City purchases the clean power at a fixed rate. The installation will lead to a total of over 30 MW of solar PV generating capacity and up to 10 MW of large-scale battery storage to provide energy to power city operations.

Solar canopies will be installed over wastewater processing tanks – an innovative and challenging design that is unlike previous solar rooftop installations the City has completed. The project is currently in the design phase with construction expected to begin in June and continue through to completion in June 2027.

The solar project supports DCAS’ ongoing efforts in fighting against climate change. In June 2024, DCAS provided a comprehensive overview of the City’s progress and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in public buildings in its Powering Change report. As of FY23, through targeted investments and efficiency measures made by the City, municipal buildings and city government operations have seen a 14% reduction in energy consumption. Further, due to the collaboration between DCAS and sister agencies, city government has reduced its GHG emissions from its overall operations, including emissions from buildings, fleet, wastewater treatment and solid waste by over 26%. This is compared to a 20% reduction in emissions across the entire city, demonstrating that the City’s efforts to reduce emissions are not only aggressive, but achievable.

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:

• Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.
• Managing 55 public buildings.
• Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.
• Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.
• Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.
• Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.

Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas and by following us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.

About the Department of Environmental Protection

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.3 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X.

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.

Contact:
Amy Liao
Communications Associate, DCAS
communications@dcas.nyc.gov