Further Together: Unlocking the Most Benefit by Collaborating in Decarbonization

Laura Nicaise
Proposal Status
Ready for Committee Review
Username
Laura Nicaise
Proposer First Name
Patrick
Proposer Email
podonnell@nyceec.com
Proposer Last Name
O'Donnell
Proposer Phone
(646) 797-2674
Proposer Job Title
Director of Engineering
Proposed Session Description
This session will deconstruct the decarbonization of Crescent Farms Community Solar. Built atop two Staten Island churches, this project was backed by workforce development labor and strategic financing structures. NYCEEC will host a panel with key players to discuss the synthesis, financing, outcomes, and lessons learned. This project is exemplary in integrating financing, design, and deep stakeholder engagement to increase accessibility of clean energy, especially in disadvantaged communities.
Why is this session important?
The benefits of collaboration are not always apparent. Financing can be a misunderstood and underutilized resource, especially in the decarbonization sector. It's not always clear how a holistic project, like the one highlighted, will come together and be economically advantageous. The Crescent Farms Community Solar project provides a roadmap for using available resources and engaging with stakeholders to make an economic and beneficial community project happen.

Comments

Jodi Smits Anderson Mon, 05/15/2023 - 12:25 pm

Yes - I like the community/inclusion/collaboration message in here. Any how-to session bridging between our siloes of knowledge is wonderful. Interested only in learning more about the scale in order to fully understand the reception by the NYC attendees.

Christopher Palmese Sun, 05/21/2023 - 9:32 pm

Yes! This souds like a great program - it will highlight whta appears to be a successful collaboration and discuss the all-importnt topic of financing decarbonization. The only downside is that the submitter has not yet confirmed speaker availability.  

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Thu, 05/25/2023 - 10:44 am

Round 1 discussion: Proposal based on successful project - stakeholders from all sides of this project will be on the panel. Creative financing solutions.

Danielle Donnelly Tue, 06/13/2023 - 9:57 am

Round 2: YesSpeakers:- Patrick or Erangi from NYCEEC - financing (moderator)- Dr. Carolina (host for the site) - committed- Russell Wilcox (closely tied to project, workforce development, BlocPower CCC) - committed- Colin Touhey (developer) - interested but not committedInclusive and collaboration at the center of this project. Innovative financing that could be translated to a wider market. Creating a framework for other lenders to implement these strategies without the specific in-house EE/Sustainability experience. Documentation (term sheet), loan documents, where can we reduce soft costs (legal). How can a lender talk with developers to develop robust but nuanced due diligence processes; identifying key risks in these projects, streamlined and concise reporting to alleviate burden on developers, create efficiencies to shorten timelines. Dr. Carolina worked to coordinate community support and disseminate information about the benefits of community solar. Director at the host site for the solar array. Roof replacement and potential lease payment in future years. Priority for power purchase. Want to understand how the church become involved, originations process, agreement between the developer and the church. 

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Thu, 06/22/2023 - 1:51 pm

R2 meeting: Good deep dive on financing a community solar project. All speakers but the developer are confirmed. Good workforce development angle.

Diversity and Inclusiveness
The highlighted project serves a LMI and disadvantaged community. The construction of the project used workforce development labor and the general contractor, Urban Energy Inc., is a MWBE entity. The church pastor is known for his work on the behalf of underrepresented populations in the US, Europe, and Africa and serves as the Executive Director of the community/family center where the community solar panels are to be installed. The primary offtakers of the community solar system will be the congregation of the church, which is predominantly people of color. In our session, we will cover how this project was originated and successfully completed with a diverse group of stakeholders, who will continue to benefit for years to come.
Learning Objectives
Integrating financing into decarbonization projects
Building a team of stakeholders
Collaborating for success
Discuss challenges and lessons learned
Has this session been presented before?
No
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 1 - No prior knowledge needed.

NYC 2023 Areas of Focus

Recommended Length
60-minute session

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2023

Reviewer 1
Smits Anderson, Jodi
Reviewer 2
Donnelly, Danielle
Curator
Engoren, Elizabeth
Proposal #
163
Session #
NYC23-325
Committee Decision
Accepted

Presenters