New York really wants the city to have more clean energy. 5.6 million Renewable Energy Certificates will be handed out across the state. The governor made this announcement. It was received well. The governor said this is one of the biggest clean energy drives any state has attempted in the US.

The Renewable Energy Certificates strategy is reaping positive results

How this works is that each one of these Renewable Energy Certificates stands for a megawatt-hour of renewable electricity. All renewables from solar, wind, or hydro sources of energy are included. All of these result in a large amount, which drives home just how committed New York is to the idea of clean energy.

Major energy suppliers and utilities have already been issued Renewable Energy Certificates. At this point, those who have one of these Renewable Energy Certificates either produce clean energy or back someone who does. By trading and retiring these certificates, energy companies shrink their carbon footprints and pump more money into new renewable projects.

New York has taken a few steps towards boosting their approach towards renewable energy

Governor Hochul isn’t just looking to use these certificates as the only approach to renewable energy. State agencies have been instructed to hasten every step of this process, from approvals to the issuing of permits. The idea is to cut through the red tape that has been hindering progress around renewable energy projects for quite some time.

State officials believe the 5.6 million Renewable Energy Certificates are a big step for New York to take, not just for the climate but for the economy. That many certificates means millions of tons of carbon dioxide won’t be emitted. That is a significant number. It is like taking over a million cars off the road for a year.

“This isn’t just about making a statement,” Hochul explained at the announcement. “It’s a real way to move faster on clean energy and create good jobs.”

New York’s renewable energy plan shows that people are committed to decarbonization

A lot of this strategy is hinged on partnerships between the public and private sectors. By setting up a steady market for renewable energy through Renewable Energy Certificates, New York gives developers and investors the stability they find so enticing.

It’s a model Europe has already used with success. Companies that are focused on renewables get a steady stream of income, and utilities get a real reason to go green. This is a turning point for New York’s energy market. It should result in less stress being placed on the grid and more local, renewable power.

This renewable energy strategy will have many benefits for New York

The environment will benefit greatly, but so too will local economies. NYSERDA figures the rollout of these certificates and new project approvals could create thousands of jobs, mostly in construction. This move will also help in modernizing the grid. At the same time, the state is launching training programs to get workers ready for jobs in clean energy.

In the long term, this will help New York a lot. More clean energy means the state won’t use as many fossil fuels, which means prices won’t increase as much as they have been.  This is great news for families and businesses, as the economy isn’t doing amazingly.

The vision for New York seems to be a clear one. Renewables are the future. As this state pushes toward its 2030 target, people across the country are paying attention. If this works, it could change how states everywhere tackle climate commitments. The Empire State is showing what’s possible when government and private industry pull in the same direction for a cleaner future.