CleanCapital Delivers 3.59 MW Brownfield Solar Project In Buffalo, Supporting Sustainable Redevelopment In New York State

CleanCapital, a leading independent power producer specializing in distributed energy, has announced the commercial operation of its latest solar project located on Elk Street in downtown Buffalo, New York. The 3.59 MW Elk Street Solar Project demonstrates CleanCapital’s expertise in brownfield redevelopment and its ongoing commitment to advancing distributed renewable energy generation while revitalizing underutilized land.

The project is located just north of the Buffalo River on an 11-acre site that was formerly part of an ExxonMobil tank farm. Through careful redevelopment, the area has been transformed from a capped and lined brownfield adjacent to a water treatment facility into a productive solar energy site. Once fully operational, the project is expected to generate more than 4,100 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity annually, contributing to New York State’s long-term renewable energy goals. The power generated will supply affordable solar energy to local residents—including low- and moderate-income households—through National Grid’s Expanded Solar for All (E-SFA) program, which aims to expand equitable access to clean energy.

The Elk Street Solar Project is part of CleanCapital’s broader West Elk Fork (WEF) portfolio, which also includes two other New York-based solar developments: West Shore in West Park and Fork in the Road in Milan. Collectively, these projects deliver renewable energy to National Grid customers, helping to strengthen grid reliability, stabilize energy prices, and promote the growth of community solar initiatives across the state.

Paul Curran, Chief Development Officer at CleanCapital, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “CleanCapital is excited to bring the Elk Street Solar project online and to continue our investment in distributed generation and brownfield development. This project exemplifies how solar energy can make a local impact for communities, support grid resiliency, and deliver real benefits to residents of Buffalo.”

As the United States faces rapidly rising energy demand—driven by the growth of artificial intelligence, data centers, and the electrification of transportation—CleanCapital is focused on scaling renewable energy to meet future needs. Energy demand in the U.S. is projected to rise by 2% annually and could grow by as much as 50% by 2050. CleanCapital’s efforts align with this growing need by adding clean, distributed energy capacity to the grid and supporting national energy independence.

To date, CleanCapital’s operating and under-construction portfolio includes more than 350 renewable energy projects totaling over 450 MW, spanning 27 U.S. states and one territory. The Elk Street Solar Project stands as a testament to CleanCapital’s mission to expand clean energy access, repurpose underused land, and accelerate America’s transition to a sustainable energy future.