# Buffalo Ulster Energy Sites: Clean Power for New York

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/buffalo-energy-site-clean-power-for-new-york/
- Published: 2011-11-23T17:45:56-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Buffalo, Ulster Energy Sites Among Those to be Assessed for Renewable Energy Projects

(Lackawanna, New York – November 18, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory are evaluating
the feasibility of developing wind or solar power production on a three previously
contaminated sites in New York State. EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck 
today visited the community near the former Bethlehem Steel plant in Lackawanna,
one of two Buffalo area sites that will be evaluated, to announce the New York sites
chosen for assessments. The assessments are part of the RE-Powering America’s Land
Initiative through which EPA will help revitalize abandoned sites, clean up the 
environment and lay the groundwork for renewable energy and job creation. The Lackawanna
site will be evaluated for either solar or wind power. The EPA and DOE will evaluate
sites in 20 states including Lackawanna, South Buffalo and Ulster, New York.

![Photo of a printed document titled “EPA AND DOE Launch Clean Energy Site Assessments
in New York,” placed on a wooden desk, outlining redevelopment plans for three New
York sites: Lackawanna, South Buffalo, and TechCity in Ulster County, with a clean
energy icon featuring a wind turbine and sun.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/958C6B94-80C5-4817-833E-55A8D53AC151.png?resize=200%
2C300&quality=50&ssl=1)

Ai image

“America faces serious environmental and economic challenges caused by our over 
reliance on fossil fuels,” said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “Part
of the solution is to use [previously contaminated land](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/brownfield-land-potential-for-clean-energy-growth/)
to generate clean energy. This strategy will revitalize communities, cut air pollution
and create new jobs.”

## EPA and DOE Launch Clean Energy Site Assessments in New York

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE)
have selected 26 sites nationwide for potential renewable energy projects. These
efforts focus on wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal power. The agencies will analyze
each location for its energy capacity, optimal tech placement, cost return, and 
project feasibility.

Three of those sites are in New York State. Each presents a unique opportunity to
revitalize old industrial zones and promote clean power.

### Lackawanna: Building on Steel Winds

One selected site is the ArcelorMittal Tecumseh Redevelopment property in Lackawanna,
New York. It spans 1,100 acres along Lake Erie and once housed the Bethlehem Steel
plant. Notably, it sits adjacent to the Steel Winds project, a 2.5-megawatt wind
farm recognized nationwide.

The EPA and DOE will assess this site for wind or solar energy production. Because
the land is already industrialized, repurposing it can avoid harming untouched ecosystems.
Moreover, clean energy could support local recovery from decades of job loss caused
by de-industrialization.

### South Buffalo: Power from Brownfields

Next, the agencies will evaluate the South Buffalo/Buffalo River industrial area
in Buffalo, New York. This 3,500-acre zone includes two state-designated brownfield
areas. Historically, these sites hosted steelworks, [grain storage](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/06/the-importance-of-effective-grain-storage/),
and chemical plants.

Despite its industrial past, the land holds huge potential for wind or solar development.
Large vacant spaces could support multiple clean energy installations. In fact, 
public and private investors have already shown interest in renewable energy here.
With proper planning, the site could transform into a hub for Buffalo’s green future.

### TechCity: Solar Momentum in Ulster County

The TechCity site in Ulster County, New York, rounds out the state’s list. At 256
acres, it’s the largest industrial site in the town of Ulster. While the site is
already undergoing redevelopment, EPA and DOE will assess its potential for solar
power.

The site’s blueprint already includes 50 acres reserved for ground-mounted solar
arrays. It also plans for rooftop solar panels on existing buildings. As a bonus,
clean energy businesses are already active here—producing solar components, LED 
lighting, and [green roofing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/great-green-roofing-ideas-for-an-energy-efficient-home/).
Expanding solar generation onsite would complement these efforts and fuel the local
green economy.

### New Energy from Old Land

Across New York, these three sites share a common thread: they aim to turn pollution
into power. By repurposing underused industrial land, the EPA and DOE could spark
economic growth and deliver real environmental benefits. This strategy proves that
clean energy doesn’t just reduce emissions—it rebuilds communities.

_**Source: US Environment Protection Agency**_

For more information about these projects of about the RE-Powering America’s Land
initiative, visit:
[http://www.epa.gov/renewableenergyland/](https://www.epa.gov/re-powering)