Rise Light & Power is planning an historic, comprehensive redevelopment of its Ravenswood Generating Station to become a hub of renewable energy. If approved by our regulators, Renewable Ravenswood will help New York State and New York City achieve their nation-leading climate goals.
A Renewable Ravenswood represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform New York City’s energy landscape, advance the state’s climate goals, and deliver victories for environmental justice and union labor.
“I applaud Rise Light & Power for taking steps to transition Big Allis and Ravenswood to a clean energy hub. “We are living through a climate emergency, and we need to take bold actions to counteract decades of environmental injustice and bad energy policy. A Renewable Ravenswood not only allows for the green powering of New York City, but it will also be a major step forward on environmental justice.”
—U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12)
“It becomes more apparent each day climate change is having an adverse impact on our communities, It is vital for us to seize the opportunity to produce clean, renewable energy right here in Queens. Renewable Ravenswood’s vision for a future powered by wind, solar and battery technology that lifts-the-floor for all our friends and family is what we need as we face this climate emergency.”
—U.S. Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-5)
“Asthma Alley is a distinction western Queens is not proud of, and that means our community must be centered during the transition to clean energy with union jobs. We need to encourage projects like this, which focus on meeting our climate priorities, including the ambitious goals laid out in the CLCPA passed by our Senate majority, so we can have a just transition and protect our neighbors.”
— Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris.
“Northwest Queens has too long been burdened by asthma from fossil fuel plants spewing air pollution day-in and day-out, and is ripe for a just transition to clean energy. To meet our climate goals, we need bold action led by a unionized, green workforce. This is exactly the type of ambitious project we need to clean up our air, meet our climate goals, and achieve a just transition.”
—New York City Comptroller Brad Lander
“Dirty fossil fuel plants have wrought havoc on power plant host communities’ local air quality for generations, making them epicenters of environmental injustice. We are in a race against the clock to build renewable energy, and initiatives such as ‘Renewable Ravenswood,’ are crucial to paving the way for a greener New York City.”
—City Council Member James F. Gennaro, Chair of the New York City Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection.
“By redeveloping the Ravenswood Generation Station into a renewable energy hub, we will not only take massive steps toward ensuring New York City meets its clean energy goals, but we will also bring a semblance of health and environmental justice to the families who live near the plant, especially those in our public housing. It’s time to act.”
—Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
“Removing the smokestacks of Big Allis and replacing them with offshore wind and other renewables will show the world that New York City values all of its residents regardless of race, ethnicity or economic status. It shows that the energy infrastructure of the future can be built with everyone in mind. A Renewable Ravenswood can help bring us closer to that future.”
—Eddie Bautista, Executive Director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance
“But [Ravenswood] can also be a shining example of a just transition, with this plan to retrain union utility workers for green, union jobs and invest in environmental justice for some of our most impacted neighborhoods. It will take all of us, workers, communities, and employers, working together to reach 70% renewable energy by 2030 as set by the CLCPA, and Renewable Ravenswood is a clear and exciting path forward.”
—Maritza Silva-Farrell, Executive Director of ALIGN and a member of the Just Transition Working Group.
“We look forward to ‘Renewable Ravenswood. For far too long the people of Long Island City, in particular Queensbridge, Ravenswood, and Astoria have been victims of power generation. The kicker is, we supply 45% of the power and we receive 100% of the pollution. Renewable Ravenswood will change that. Let’s put our money where our mouth is.”
—Bishop Mitchell Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Urban Upbound.
“We applaud the Renewable Ravenswood proposal, given its clear benefits for environmental justice and climate progress. Rise has proven to be a dependable partner and is proposing real projects that address the disproportionate harm that communities of color have experienced for generations. I look forward to the day these renewable energy projects are implemented, and call on our partners in government to do everything in their power to move this ambitious proposal forward.”
—Lynn Spivey, President of the NAACP NYCHA Branch
“Renewable Ravenswood is the vision and plan that Western Queens has been demanding for decades. New sources of renewable energy, like wind and solar, can keep the lights on while helping us breathe easier!”
—Ms. Carol Wilkins, President of NYCHA Ravenswood Residents Association.
“With Rise Light & Power, NYCHA is truly at the table for discussions about our energy future. Renewable Ravenswood is a plan that uplifts our priorities and promises a brighter tomorrow for our community”
—Ms. Claudia Coger, Community Leader
“Environmental justice needs to be the top priority for decision-makers in the years ahead. With the possibility of clean solar and wind power, clean heating for our homes, and workforce development, Renewable Ravenswood is the right plan at the right time,”
—Mrs. Ann Cotton Morris, President of NYCHA Queens District & NYCHA Woodside Residents Association.
“We know that Rise’s vision for a Renewable Ravenswood is possible, and we call on our leaders to do everything in their power to make it happen.”
—Mrs. April Simpson, Community Activist and Leader.
“Today’s announcement by Rise Light & Power has the opportunity to change this legacy and begin a new chapter in our community in furtherance of Renewable Row. Renewable Ravenswood is an exciting opportunity to replace fossil fuel generation, keep good union jobs and create a new path here in Western Queens focused on the future. I am fully supportive of this initiative and look forward to supporting this proposal as it moves forward. Our partnership with Rise Light & Power can be a model for how we finally take down the polluting stacks in our city and build an energy revolution.”
—Costa Constantinides, CEO of Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens.
“Riis Settlement is excited to support Rise Light & Power’s Renewable Ravenswood plan. When implemented, this will be a milestone in new clean energy for our community. The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy will change the landscape of energy, as well as health outcomes, in our Queensbridge community and across New York State.”
—Bob Madison, Associate Executive Director of Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement
“A Renewable Ravenswood is the type of future vision we need to grow clean energy in New York, supported by workers with the expertise needed to continue to reliably power our city.”
—Anne Reynolds, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York
“Renewable Ravenswood has the potential to bring clean power to millions across New York City. We need to leverage every opportunity for green energy to reach New York State’s ambitious climate goals. Offshore wind is going to play a major part in decarbonization efforts, and transforming old fossil fuel infrastructure into the renewable infrastructure of the future is an important part of transitioning to renewable energy across the City.”
—Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters
“It’s time we transition the plant to a clean energy hub that will sustain good-paying union jobs and bring New York closer to its clean energy and climate action goals. Investing in modern, clean energy infrastructure is necessary to protect our state from the intensifying damage of climate disasters from burning fossil fuels.”
—Allison Considine, Campaign Representative for Sierra Club
“With projects up and down the Northeast coast, including in the New York Bight, we will have significant clean and renewable energy off our shores. Now we just need to bring it the consumers. Rise’s move to shift Ravenswood from the fossil fuels of the past to a model for repurposing aging fossil fuel infrastructure for the future could be part of the solution. We should give serious consideration to this important work for the state’s energy transition.”
—Fred Zalcman, Director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance
“Renewable Ravenswood presents a bold vision with the potential to combat the climate crisis, address environmental injustices, and propel the long-term growth, and prosperity of the region. RPA is encouraged to see our private-sector partners doing their part for a healthy and sustainable future, and looks forward to engaging in the process to ensure this vision comes to fruition in ways that benefit the city, its communities, and our environment.”
—Tom Wright, President of the Regional Plan Association
“By transitioning Ravenswood to a renewable energy hub, we will see our community at the very forefront of New York City’s green revolution. A new industry in our backyard means jobs and prosperity for our neighbors.”
—Thomas J. Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce
“A Renewable Ravenswood checks every box of what the 21st Century energy infrastructure should look like. Their commitment to maintaining the union labor at the plant ensures good-paying jobs for those on staff. Making a piece of Asthma Alley a part of the renewable energy future prioritizes environmental justice. It brings New York City closer to our 100% renewable energy goals. We applaud Rise Light and Power on their goals and their commitment to a clean future for New York City.”
—Mark Weiss, Steering Committee Member of New York Renews
“Renewable Ravenswood sets the stage for New York City’s just transition to green energy and a sustainable future. The suite of projects proposed by Rise, including a critical link for offshore wind and an innovative thermal energy proposal, will deliver clean energy for generations and while preserving high-quality union jobs.”
—Carlo A. Scissura, President & CEO of the New York Building Congress
“Renewable Ravenswood proposes a bold holistic vision that emphasizes workforce and environmental justice. Waterfront Alliance commends this vision and encourages greater exploration of waterfront and maritime access, as well as green infrastructure. We look forward to partnering with Rise Light & Power to realize this important transition to a sustainable and equitable Western Queens waterfront.”
—Karen Imas, Vice President of Programs, Waterfront Alliance
“Carter Burden Network and its Roosevelt Island Older Adult Center applaud Rise Light & Power’s visionary and extensive clean energy and economic development plan for the Ravenswood Generating Station. It is refreshing to see energy company leadership that is committed to investing in innovative green solutions that align with climate and energy goals that benefit all in the community.
—William J. Dionne, Executive Director, Carter Burden Network
“We are excited as we watch up close Rise Light & Power’s plans to transform the New York power grid. Throughout the years, Rise has demonstrated how their strong commitment and collaborative partnership has supported our local community and our employees. We expect to see even more as Renewable Ravenswood transitions from a fossil fuel plant to one supplying renewable, reliable energy to our community and city.”
—Stephen Gross, President & Chief Executive Officer of IHI Power Services
This comprehensive redevelopment will transform the 27-acre waterfront Ravenswood industrial site to serve as a central hub connecting clean energy sources, like offshore wind and upstate wind and solar, into New York City’s electric grid.
This innovative clean energy solution positions the 27-acre waterfront Ravenswood industrial site to serve as a central hub connecting clean energy sources, like offshore wind and upstate wind and solar, into New York City’s electric grid in a coordinated, planned, and reliable manner.
Renewable Ravenswood began in response to state and city leaders’ call for energy companies to support the energy transition. But Renewable Ravenswood goes further, replacing fossil power with homegrown and locally sourced clean energy that will help achieve the city’s and state’s nation-leading resiliency and climate goals, in historically disadvantaged communities.
Renewable Ravenswood is built on five programs:
Connecting thousands of megawatts of clean energy to the New York City grid to where it is most needed.
Catalyzing New York State’s renewables by connecting new wind, solar, and other clean energy resources from Upstate to New York City’s electric grid.
Helping to balance the grid of the future with many more intermittent renewables by deploying large-scale battery energy storage directly on the facility site.
Repurposing existing infrastructure to provide zero-emission thermal energy to nearby communities.
Maintaining our strong commitment to the on-site union workforce with commitments to renewable energy training and new onsite commitments.
Licpost: Attentive Energy One proposes $10M investment to LaGuardia Community College for green energy training hub Attentive Energy and LaGuardia Community College announced a $16
NY Daily News: The face of clean energy is in Queens, as Ravenswood Generating Station transitions to a renewable future As New York State implements
