New York officials have cleared the way for what is being billed as the largest solar facility to date in the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday.

Final siting permits for the development and construction of a 500-megawatt solar facility in Genesee County has been approved as New York seeks to transition to cleaner and more renewable forms of energy in the coming decades.

Energy sources like solar, as well as wind and hydro-generated energy, are expected to play a key role in shifting away from carbon-based fuels.

"Today's announcement is a significant step in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and further cements New York as a national leader in the fight to combat climate change," Hochul said. "This project brings New York closer to not just meeting but exceeding our goal of obtaining 70% of our electricity from renewable resources while creating well-paying green jobs - creating a greener, more prosperous Empire State for generations to come."

The permit for Hecate Energy Cider Solar is the fifth major renewable energy facility given approval by the Office of Renewable Energy Siting since 2020. The facility will be located in the towns of Oakfield and Elba.

The facility is expected to eventually generate enough energy to power more than 125,000 homes in the state and reduce carbon emissions by 462,000 tons each year.