Renewables
New York State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is one factor driving investment in the state’s renewable energy industry. The RPS goal was recently expanded from 25% by 2013 to 30 % by 2015. In order to achieve the RPS, NYSERDA offers grants and incentives to help bring down the costs of these clean resources.
More than any other county in New York, Madison County is at the forefront of the renewable or renewable energy industry. Madison County has developing industries in renewable energy solutions such as wind power generation, methane digestion, landfill gas utilization, feedstock production for ethanol and power generation, and more.
- Wind: Madison County is home to the first commercial scale wind farm in New York State and now has two wind farms with a third under development: wind farms are operating in Madison and Fenner, and a third will soon be online in the three-township area of Eaton, Stockbridge and Madison. Windmill mapping points
- Methane: 1.2MgW of electricity and 31MM BTU of heat are generated currently at the County Landfill’s methane gas-to-energy facility; which is operated by Waste Management – Renewable Energy
- Biomass/Feedstocks: Madison County is also researching the cultivation of feedstocks used in the production of ethanol or electricity. Woody crops such as shrub willow are said to be the real future of the industry. Madison County is abundant with agricultural crops, energy crops, and forests that are expected to supplement the traditional corn feedstock.
The region also supports the renewable energy industry with competitive wages in representative positions. Being located between the Syracuse and Utica-Rome, Madison County draws labor from both markets, which is a key advantage. Wage rates in the region are significantly lower than in New York State as a whole.
Additionally, the Renewable Energy Training Center at Morrisville State College provides courses for individuals seeking skills in the field of renewable energy. The RETC is an alliance of employers, training providers, economic development partners and K-12 schools that work together to address the short- and long-term needs of New York State’s renewable energy sector.
| Median Hourly Wage of Renewable Energy Workers | ||||
| Standard Occupational Classification | Occupation | Syracuse MSA (includes Madison County) | Utica – Rome MSA | New York State |
| 17-2081 | Environmental Engineers | $33.78 | $35.17 | $37.44 |
| 17-3022 | Civil Engineering Technicians | $20.68 | – | $23.52 |
| 17-3023 | Electrical and Electronic Engineers | $24.50 | $23.08 | $26.98 |
| 19-2041 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $25.53 | – | $32.45 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2009 Metropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage estimates.
The Fenner Renewable Energy Center, Inc., or “FREE Center”, is a grass-roots organization formed to educate the public on the benefits of renewable energy and other sustainable practices. The FREE Center is located on-site at the Fenner Wind Farm in Madison. It is organized to show the importance of green energy, and encourage others to embrace the clean energy lifestyle to ensure a better future.
Contact us to learn more about the advantages of growing your business in Madison County, New York.
