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A major renewable energy project is set to transform the economic landscape of Montgomery County after receiving final approval from state officials.
The New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) has issued the final permit for the Mill Point Solar I Project, a 250-megawatt solar facility to be built in the Town of Glen. The project, developed by Repsol Renewables, is expected to power approximately 33,724 homes and offset nearly 217,280 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to project documents.
"This project approval demonstrates we are strengthening our commitment to improve grid reliability and build clean energy," state Public Service Department CEO Rory Christian said in a statement.
The economic benefits are substantial. The development is projected to create approximately 290 construction jobs and provide significant tax revenue for local infrastructure. Landowners participating in the project will receive more than $2.5 million annually through lease agreements, while a Host Community Benefit Program will distribute $125,000 per year to residential utility customers in Glen over the first decade of operations.
However, the project has faced strong opposition from local residents and officials who worry about its impact on the rural community of about 2,500 people. Critics argue the solar arrays, which will be spread across more than 2,000 acres of primarily agricultural land, will fundamentally alter the town's character and harm the local economy by removing productive farmland.
"It's an entire change of the way of life and the way town of Glen residents see themselves in their community. This is a huge chunk of our town that's being taken up," Town Supervisor Stephen Helmin said in comments to The Daily Gazette.
A major point of contention has been the state's oversight of large-scale renewable energy projects, which bypasses local land-use review processes. The Mill Point Solar I Project received waivers from the town's solar laws, and Montgomery County officials claim developers did not properly apply the county's cumulative impact law.
Montgomery County Attorney Meghan Manion called the decision "egregious" and indicated plans to seek review by the Appellate Division. Local opposition group Glen Families Allied for Responsible Management of Land (GlenFARMLand) also stated, "Rest assured, this fight is not over."
Despite the opposition, state officials maintain that the project review was thorough and transparent, with more than 441 comments received during the process. ORES Executive Director Zeryai Hagos emphasized that the facility "offers much needed financial support to farmers participating in the project."
The Mill Point Solar I Project, originally proposed by ConnectGen before the company was acquired by Repsol in 2023, is expected to be operational by 2027.