CVE North America (CVE), a prominent developer of community solar projects, has commenced construction of its first solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) in New York State. The initiative, known as the Riverhead Project, is located on a capped landfill in Riverhead and includes a 7-megawatt (MW) solar array paired with a 13.6 megawatt-hour (MWh) BESS. Once operational, the project is expected to generate approximately 12,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually—enough to power around 1,500 homes in New York.
The integration of the BESS enables the system to store surplus solar energy produced during off-peak periods and dispatch it when electricity demand peaks. This not only bolsters grid reliability and resilience but also enhances local energy access by providing a more stable and sustainable power supply. The Riverhead Project demonstrates the dual benefits of clean energy and land revitalization by transforming an unused landfill into a productive, community-serving asset.
Ben Dereume, technical director at CVE North America, said in a statement, “The Riverhead project is a pivotal step in expanding our energy storage capabilities and demonstrates how strategic solar development can strengthen local energy systems. We’re proud to partner with the Town of Riverhead to transform unproductive land into a source of clean, locally generated, renewable energy for the community.”
Although this is CVE’s first energy storage project in New York, the company brings significant experience to the endeavor, with a portfolio that includes 95 MW of installed capacity in community solar across Massachusetts and New York. CVE is continuing to expand its footprint across the U.S., leveraging solar-plus-storage solutions to deliver cleaner, more dependable energy to local communities.
