State agencies will begin immediate inspections of energy storage sites, and the working group is intended to help prevent fires and ensure emergency responders have the necessary training and information to prepare and deploy resources in the event of a fire.

“Following multiple fire safety incidents across New York, I’ve directed State agencies to immediately form the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group to mobilize the personnel and resources necessary to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “The Working Group will collaborate with first responders and local leaders to identify best practices, address potential risks to public safety, and ensure energy storage sites across New York are safe and effective.”

Three notable fires occurred at New York energy facilities this summer. A fire at an energy storage system in Warwick burned for multiple days in June, a battery fire at a solar farm in Jefferson County raised concerns of possible air contamination in July, and an energy storage system at an East Hampton substation caught fire in July.

In 2019, New York state committed to adding 3,000MW of Energy Storage by 2030, among other energy and climate goals, as part of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

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The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) staff and the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Response Unit responded to the Jefferson County incident and supported emergency response partners with performing precautionary air monitoring tests in the surrounding area of the fire.

While fires at energy storage facilities are exceedingly rare, Hochul has directed the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Public Service, and the Department of State to lead the working group to independently examine energy storage facility fires and safety standards. The group will leverage experts and national laboratories in energy storage root cause and emergency response analyses to independently assess and identify common causes, air monitoring results or other community impacts, and other factors involved with energy storage fires.

The working group will investigate the recent energy storage fires in New York and will conduct a fire safety review, including emergency response analysis, of energy storage projects that experienced thermal runaway events across New York. Findings will include a list of recommendations for stationary energy storage equipment and installations. The working group would review energy storage system operations and operators as they examine the condition of their batteries to verify operation within design parameters; remedy any deficiencies identified; verify operation of on-site fire suppression; and confirm fire suppression plans with local fire departments, among other best practices.

The findings and resulting recommendations will also be shared with the New York City Fire Department, National Fire Protection Association, International Code Council, the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council, and Underwriters Laboratories, establishing New York as a national and international leader in fire safety and stationary energy storage systems.

Originally published on Power Grid.

The announcement also included more than $5 million in project awards under the third round of the challenge.

Modernising the electric grid enhances reliability and resiliency in response to a changing climate, optimises the transmission of power and is intended to support New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to achieve 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030.

“With the increasing number of extreme weather events in New York and across the country, we are working hard to modernise our electric grid and support the development of technologies that will improve reliability,” Governor Hochul said. “By making our grid smarter, more flexible and cleaner with the use of renewable energy, we can ensure the reliability of our energy system, reduce emissions and create a more sustainable future for New Yorkers.”

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Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), through round four, proposals are sought from single or team providers including researchers, product vendors, asset managers and consultants to develop or demonstrate advanced technologies that will support a reliable modern energy transmission and distribution system. Projects must also advance reduced energy costs and greater quantities of renewables integration, while helping the State meet its climate goals.

Up to $3 million per project is available to address high-priority grid technologies including:

• Improved transmission utilisation
• Operational situational awareness
• Distribution Energy Management Systems (DERMS)
• Inverter-based resource integration
• Power electronics
• Grid modeling
• Data analytics
• Artificial intelligence/machine learning
• Protection systems

Projects awarded under Round Three include:

• Clarkson University – $399,000: To evaluate the stability and reliability risks associated with a high voltage direct current meshed network for offshore wind.
• Electric Power Research Institute:
  • $397,000: To investigate the unique situations of the onshore power system as a result of increased offshore wind penetration.
  • $2.3 million: To develop a control management software so solar, battery storage and other distributed energy resources (DERs) can provide further benefits to the grid.
  • $400,000: To study how energy storage deployment can address grid stability issues for transmission and sub-transmission networks.
• New York University – $187,000: To study a methodology for detecting large power transformer defects without disrupting service for maintenance.
• Quanta Technology – $400,000: To study how intelligent power electronic devices located at large renewable generation plants can be used to improve visibility and grid operator situational awareness.
• Switched Source – $1 million: To demonstrate a power electronics device’s ability to increase renewable hosting capacity and improve the reliability and efficiency of the electric grid.

The Future Grid Challenge offers funding to grid technology companies and research institutions that address challenges ranging from the need for greater real-time system data to incorporating smart technologies and energy storage into power grid planning and operations. The goal of the programme is to foster technologies to enhance resiliency, enable and advance energy infrastructure for the performance needed to achieve the Climate Act goals and ensure reliability of the transmission and distribution system, reducing cost and allowing for faster integration of renewables.

The announcement builds on NYSERDA’s Grid Modernization Program, which will provide a total of $133 million through 2026 to further research, develop, and provide funding for solutions that support the advancement of a smart, modernised electric grid and enable the utility investments necessary for full deployment at scale of advanced technologies for the power grid.

Since 2016, NYSERDA’s Smart Grid program has awarded approximately $65 million under 111 contracts to grid technology companies and research organizations for projects including low-cost, high-accuracy grid sensors, modeling and simulation tools and advanced engineering solutions for more effective optimisation, reliability and resiliency and integration of renewable energy resources.

Originally posted by Sean Wolfe on Power Grid.

Each of the projects is designed to drive market-enabling development of workforce, supply chain and consumer demand in the drive to net zero.

The projects under review include utilities’ efforts under New Efficiency: New York (NENY) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Fund (CEF).

Combined, these portfolios represent nearly $10 billion in customer funding for long-term, far-reaching energy efficiency and building electrification strategies.

This first stage of the Commission’s reviews will focus on the energy efficiency and building electrification programmes, including efforts targeting low- to moderate-income (LMI) customers.

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“Energy efficiency has been a go-to resource and we need to continue to aggressively pursue this solution,” stated Commission chair Rory M. Christian.

“New York’s commitment to protecting and enhancing our environment has been steadfast. As we look ahead to the level of ambition that CLCPA lays out for us, we need to assess all of our efforts to ensure funds are being directed strategically to advance our goals while ensuring services are provided to disadvantaged communities and low-income consumers.”

According to the Commission, their review of these portfolios is crucial as energy efficiency and building electrification programmes play a key role in the achievement of New York State’s clean energy goals.

The deployment of energy efficient resources reduces or eliminates electric and natural gas consumption, avoiding the harmful pollution associated with electricity generation and natural gas distribution.

The emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants can also be reduced through electrification, with efficient electric heat pumps or ground source heat pumps displacing the use of fossil fuel equipment, delivering environmental benefits as the State’s electric generation becomes cleaner. Energy efficiency and electrification can also offer cost reductions and improve affordability for LMI customers.

Subsequent stages of the review will address NYSERDA’s Innovation & Research and New York Green Bank Portfolios.

These subsequent reviews will begin following NYSERDA filings, due no later than July 1, 2024, that provide performance summaries and specific requests for Commission consideration.

The state’s larger goal is to install 3,000MW of energy storage by 2030 to help integrate renewables. New York wants to eventually develop 6,000MW.

The awarded funding comes through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The $16.6 million will support the following projects:

• Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. – $2.7 million – To develop, design and construct two stand-alone energy storage systems and perform field demonstrations of a six-hour zinc hybrid cathode energy storage system in New York City to help demonstrate that zinc hybrid technology is economically competitive with lithium-ion.
• JC Solutions, LLC dba RCAM Technologies – $1.2 million – To develop a 3D concrete-printed marine pumped hydroelectric storage system that integrates directly with offshore wind development in support of grid resiliency and reduced reliance on fossil fuel plants to meet periods of peak electric demand.
• Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, LLC– $12.5 million – To demonstrate nuclear-hydrogen fueled peak power generation paired with a long duration hydrogen energy storage unit to help reduce emissions from the New York Independent System Operator electric grid.
• Power to Hydrogen – $100,000 – To develop a Reversible Fuel Cell System for Hydrogen Production and Energy Storage called the Clean Energy Bridge and to help facilitate the system’s readiness for demonstration and commercial adoption.
• ROCCERA, LLC – $100,000 – To evaluate and demonstrate a novel commercially viable Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell prototype for clean hydrogen production together with a corresponding scalable, more efficient manufacturing process.

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The additional $17 million in competitive funding would encourage further product development and demonstration projects in energy storage that are 10 to over 100 hours in duration.

NYSERDA said project submissions should advance, develop or field-test hydrogen, electric, chemical, mechanical or thermal-electric storage technologies that would address cost, performance, siting and renewable integration challenges, such as grid congestion, hosting capacity constraints and lithium-ion siting in New York City.

Proposals will be accepted through October 17, 2022.

To date, NYSERDA’s Renewable Optimization and Energy Storage Innovation Program has enabled the development of 356 projects with over $225 million. NYSERDA initiatives are funded through the State’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund.

NYSERDA, the New York State Department of Public Service and the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation are also working to develop a regulatory clean hydrogen framework.

This includes the evaluation and development of codes and standards, program development to support microgrids that are hydrogen powered rather than by polluting backup generators and funding for hydrogen product development, pilots and demonstrations.]

This post was originally published on Power Engineering.

The money will be used to fund demonstration projects focused on decarbonization and resilient energy services, said NYSERDA in a press release.

Projects can be submitted in three different categories (see below) as outlined in NYSERDA’s request for proposals (RFP). The deadline for submitting a project proposal is April 18. 

Demonstrations of Net Zero / Deep Decarbonization Solutions (max value $500K)

This category is for proposals demonstrating technologies that can be replicated and scaled to achieve what NYSERDA said would represent significant reductions in carbon emissions in buildings or transportation sectors supporting the state’s goals of carbon neutrality.

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Climate Impact Vulnerability Assessments and Resilience Planning (max award $100K)

Awards in this category would be offered for technical assistance regarding assessments, analysis, and planning that focuses on: 

• Vulnerability assessments and analyses of the electric grid that consider weaknesses in the generation, transmission, or distribution of power to users – including grid failure and evaluation of who it may impact. Additional consideration will be given for specific benefits to disadvantaged communities and critical services (hospitals, nursing homes, and so on); and
• Developing plans that reduce the risk of shock or stress events (temperature extremes, storm surges, or flooding), or reduce the impacts of such events on people, infrastructure, and services in the municipality or service area. 
• These plans are required to coordinate across key institutions and communities — including those responsible for emergency preparedness and response, critical load and demand management, community health, safety, and social services. Plans will also be mandated to identify priorities for resilience action and investment.

Renewables and Innovation Analytics / Pre-Feasibility / Feasibility Studies (max award $200K)

These awards would be for technology demonstrations or other analysis or study for adopting an innovative climate technology within a municipal utility / rural cooperative service area, with a focus on projects that:

• Conduct analysis, pre-feasibility, or feasibility studies in preparation for developing a renewable and/or innovative climate technology project; 
• Demonstrate an innovative technology or process supporting New York’s renewables, decarbonization, and environmental justice goals in support of the Climate Act; and   
• Have a high potential for replication – which will drive future investment in resilient and decarbonized communities, as well as significant opportunities for greenhouse gas reduction.

Additionally, to help ensure an equitable clean energy transition, the RFP considers benefits to disadvantaged communities as one of the scoring criteria, since these communities are more likely to rely on outdated infrastructure and have increased risks of shock or stress events in their neighborhoods.
 
Program funding is provided through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in alignment with NYSERDA’s Climate Resilience Initiative. 

Originally published by Jennifer Runyon on power-grid.com

The 3GW solar energy capacity installed in New York is enough to power 522,000 households. The state has managed to expand its solar capacity by 2,100% since 2011, reduced the costs of solar by 69%, and created 12,000 jobs within the industry.

With the 3GW milestone, combined with other projects that are currently under development, New York has reached 95% of a target set by the state governor to install 6GW of solar capacity by 2025. The target was set under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

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The state government gives credit to its NY-SUN initiative, launched in 2011 to provide technical and financial support to solar energy projects, for the expansion of the market. Under the NY SUN programme, New York has managed to provide $1 billion in incentives to solar projects, install solar for 145,000 homes, and committed $30 million for projects benefiting environmental justice and disadvantaged communities. 

The programme resulted in a record year for solar installations in New York with up to 549MW of capacity being installed. As a result, in 2020, New York was ranked first in the nation in Community Solar installations and second for total installations across the US.

Governor Cuomo said: “Solar energy is a key component in New York’s transition to a clean energy economy as we work to reduce harmful emissions across the board and address the dual challenges of fighting climate change and rebuilding stronger post-pandemic.”

NYSERDA President and CEO, Doreen M. Harris, added: “Public-private partnerships are a cornerstone of our work, and we are incredibly proud of our collaboration with the stakeholders, developers, and landowners that have helped us achieve our three gigawatts of solar milestone, an important step on the path to greening our energy grid as part of the State’s equitable clean energy transition.” 

State governor Andrew Cuomo has announced a green hydrogen feasibility study, plans to join international green hydrogen consortiums, pilot projects, and funding for green hydrogen energy storage projects. All these initiatives are aimed at accelerating the state’s green hydrogen market and encourage adoption.

Green hydrogen study

The state government, through its energy agencies including the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will be launching a green hydrogen feasibility study to gain knowledge on possible applications of green hydrogen.

The study will be conducted in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to compile data regarding the use of green hydrogen in reducing carbon emissions whilst ensuring a secure energy supply. The study will focus on how New York can align its green hydrogen strategy with existing plans of ensuring 70% of the region’s electricity is generated using renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2040.

Building on relationships with NREL and the United States Department of Energy, NYSERDA will benefit from local, regional, national, and global insights on the evolution of green hydrogen to help guide State direction and decision making. 

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Green hydrogen demonstration project

The demonstration project will include the New York Power Authority (NYPA) partnering with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), General Electric (GE), Sargent & Lundy, Fresh Meadow Power and hydrogen supplier Airgas. The project will test blending green hydrogen with natural gas to generate electricity at NYPA’s Brentwood Power Station on Long Island, commissioned in 2021 and comprises natural gas-powered GE combustion turbines. The aim will be to assess the effect of different blends in reducing carbon emissions.

GE will provide a hydrogen/natural gas blending system whilst Sargent & Lundy will supply its engineering and project safety services and Fresh Meadow Power will provide piping system design, material procurement and installation services for the eight week project.  Airgas will provide green hydrogen for the project and EPRI will assist with the project design and technical evaluation. The demonstration project is expected to begin in fall 2021.

National and international green hydrogen groups

To ensure, New York has access to data regarding the development of green hydrogen and to foster further development of the market, NYSERDA has joined national and international hydrogen groups including:

The Center for Hydrogen safety, a global community of more than 75 government, industry, and national lab participants supporting and promoting hydrogen safety and best practices, to ensure New York State is at the forefront of hydrogen safety. This means NYSERDA will have access to safety best practices on hydrogen, training courses and materials, and a safety panel of experts available for specific demonstration project safety reviews. 

The HyBlend Collaborative Research Partnership, a consortium of six national labs and fifteen university/industry partners, aiming to generate a database to allow New York to assess the use of existing infrastructure for hydrogen and to develop general principles of operation of blended hydrogen/natural gas delivery systems. 

Funding for long-duration green hydrogen energy storage

The New York government, through NYSERDA, aims to encourage innovation within the green hydrogen energy storage sector by launching a $12.5 million project funding initiative. The funding will be issued through the Renewable Optimization and Energy Storage Innovation Programme for projects with six-plus hours in duration.
Project submissions should advance, develop, or field-test hydrogen, electric, chemical, mechanical, or thermal-electric storage technologies that will address cost, performance, and renewable integration challenges. The initiative will target early studies, product development, multi-stage, demonstration projects and federal cost-share. 

The need to include green hydrogen in the state’s sustainability plans falls under efforts by the government to adopt new and low-carbon technologies capable of helping the region to meet its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 85% by 2050, as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said: “Supporting innovation and studying new technologies is important to remain on the cutting edge of evolving solutions that will complement our existing decarbonization efforts and the Climate Action Council’s work to ensure that New York has a reliable and cost-effective energy system.” 

Governor Cuomo, adds: “New York is leading the way forward on protecting the environment and combating climate change.

“Part of our ongoing efforts is setting an example for other states and nations to follow. As we transition to a clean energy economy, we are exploring every resource available as a potential tool to address climate change and documenting what we find to share as part of broader national and global conversations so we can build a brighter, greener future for all.”

Carbontech describes a family of technologies that can convert different forms of carbon into a diverse array of valued products and services in a climate-beneficial way. According to the New York State Decarbonization Pathways Analysis Summary of Draft Findings released in 2020 and commissioned by the New York State Climate Action Council, removing carbon from the atmosphere could account for up to 15% of the reductions needed under the Climate Act and carries an economic opportunity estimated at $1 trillion in the US and $6 trillion globally.

This week, New York state governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the availability of $9 million in funding to establish the Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowship Programme, designed to support scientists in technology R&D.

The programme will provide scientists with technical assistance in technology R&D and commercialisation with the aim to establish New York as a hub for carbon-to-value technology. The project is expected to accelerate the use of carbon-capture technologies and help New York move closer to its 2050 decarbonisation goal of reducing carbon emissions by 85%.

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The Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowship Programme will provide support services to researchers at universities or other institutions to commercialize the technologies they produce. The programme is the second component of the State’s $19 million Carbontech Development Initiative, which was announced earlier this year. Administered and funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the two programmes will work together to play a significant role in creating a sustainable carbon-to-value innovation ecosystem boosting research, technology transfer and commercialisation.

NYSERDA is now seeking proposals for an organisation to run the Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowship Programme.

Governor Cuomo said: “Revolutionising the development of products made from carbon capture will create the landscape to achieve deep decarbonisation in our fight against climate change.

“Attracting scientists with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to realise new products is essential to growing our green economy, and we are bringing their research out of the lab to pave the way for a more climate-resilient future to benefit all New Yorkers.”

Funding for this initiative is provided through the State’s 10-year, $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund.

NYSERDA has partnered with the International Cleantech Network, a network of cleantech clusters designed to generate new business opportunities, enhance competitive advantages and create value for global companies, and the EU Techbridge, a project matching innovative European SMEs with North American based end-users.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed by the three parties aims to identify solutions that would help to overcome critical barriers to decarbonising high-rise buildings and stimulate investment in New York State’s clean energy economy. The three parties will be partnering under NYSERDA’s $50 million Empire Building Challenge which is expected to use $250 million in investments from the private sector.

The collaboration will enable knowledge sharing, matchmaking and investment from leading cleantech providers in the European Union, Africa, North America, and South America to New York.

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The three parties will focus on:

• Identifying concrete solutions and knowledge sharing to support the transition to more energy-efficient buildings in New York;
• Mobilizing ICN and EU Techbridge’s strong clean technology network and encouraging investment and job creation in New York; and
• Providing a forum for exchange on new approaches and solutions within energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and resiliency to foster best practices.  

The project will help New York to achieve its goal of reaching carbon-neutrality in buildings by 2035 and the state governor’s clean energy goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050.

The partnership comes at a time New York is facing various challenges to decarbonising its buildings including tenant disruptions, upfront costs for renovations, and the sheer size and scale of high-rise buildings. And as such by addressing innovation gaps and enhancing collaboration with the private sector, the Empire Building Challenge seeks to accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions in the state.

NYSERDA and utilities have set aside over $6.8 billion to enhance energy efficiency in buildings, the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Improving energy efficiency in buildings and including onsite storage, renewables, and electric vehicle charging equipment, the State will reduce carbon pollution and achieve the ambitious target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs by 2025, the equivalent of powering 1.8 million homes. Energy efficiency accounts for 75% of the clean energy jobs across New York, and the state’s ambitious plan to reduce carbon pollution will result in an additional $1.8 billion in societal and environmental benefits.

Mike Mulcahy, Chair of the ICN and CEO of GreenCape in Cape Town said: “The ICN represents 16,000 GreenTech companies from 4 continents. The partnership with NYSERDA provides a tangible opportunity for global cooperation and learning in support of a greener future. The work done through this project will unearth new solutions for the buildings and create the context for international partnerships.”

The funding will be issued through the states’ new Clean Transportation Prizes competitions initiative, whose main aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in the state. This specific initiative is mainly focused on disadvantaged and underserved communities.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said: “The transportation sector currently represents New York’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, making electrifying transportation critical both to achieve the State’s aggressive clean energy and climate goals and to improve the health of disadvantaged communities overburdened by vehicle pollution. The New York Clean Transportation Prizes programme will drive innovative and equitable solutions to accelerate the state’s transition to a clean transportation future and put New York on the road to energy independence and environmental and economic recovery.”

New York has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% economy-wide by 2030 and achieve 100% net zero emissions by 2050. The transportation sector represents 36% of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions with motor vehicles accounting for over 80% of those emissions, according to the Sierra Club.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in partnership with the New York State Department of Public Service and the Department of Environmental Conservation will manage the Clean Transportation Prizes initiative.

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Some three programmes will be funded by the initiative and they include:

• Clean Neighborhoods Challenge – Up to three $10 million grand prizes will be awarded to innovative projects that address air pollution reduction at scale in disadvantaged communities. 
• Electric Mobility Challenge – Up to three $7 million grand prizes will be awarded to projects that demonstrate innovative safe and convenient electric mobility options that help to solve disadvantaged community transportation needs. 
• Electric Truck & Bus Challenge – Up to three $8 million grand prizes will be awarded to projects that demonstrate electrified solutions to the deployment of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles or their replacement through other electrified transportation modes.

The three programmes will be deployed in two phases in the service territories served by the six New York state investor-owned utilities.

Packages to be provided to some 15 projects to be shortlisted under the first phase will include:

• A $100,000 planning grant;
• Up to $50,000 in funding for community partners;
• Up to $50,000 in-kind support from NYSERDA provided expert consultants  ;
• Additional support services for project management, community engagement, and measurement and verification.

Applicants for the Clean Transportation Prizes competitions must register by July 22, 2021, to be eligible to submit proposals for the competitions.

The state is embarking on a number of programmes to ensure that it decarbonises its economy.

In mid-April, the New York State government unveiled a new programme to accelerate research, development and commercialisation of innovative carbon-capture technologies.

By setting aside $10 million in investment for the establishment of the Carbontech Development Initiative, the state government aims to meet its carbon emissions reduction targets and to establish New York as a world-class hub of carbon-to-value research, technology transfer and commercialisation.

The state governor Andrew Cuomo has announced $10 million in investment for the establishment of the Carbontech Development Initiative.

The programme forms part of efforts by the state to meet its carbon emissions reduction targets and to establish New York as a world-class hub of carbon-to-value research, technology transfer and commercialisation.

Currently, the state is seeking organisations to design and operate the Carbontech Development Initiative. The organisation will be responsible for programming, securing sources of funding and engaging industry participants, and environmental justice and other disadvantaged communities.

The role of the project will be to secure private and public funding to support, in the form of grants, the development of emerging technologies that capture existing carbon or lower carbon emissions and transform this carbon into useful products. 

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Projects supporting the use of fossil fuels will be rejected to participate in the Carbontech Development Initiative.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, in partnership with an organisation(s) that will be selected to operate the programme, will bring together academics, industry partners, investors, innovators, environmental justice and other disadvantaged communities to develop carbon-capture solutions.

Capturing carbon could account for up to 15% of the reductions required to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050 as well as help New York to decarbonise sectors that are challenging to mitigate emissions, according to the New York State Climate Action Council.

The Carbontech Development Initiative is the first of two components that will launch in 2021 as part of a larger $19.5 million Carbontech programme managed by NYSERDA’s Innovation project.

Governor Cuomo said: “Capturing carbon and using it requires innovation, and this program will enable us to work with industry leaders who possess the necessary knowledge, technology and vision.

“If we want to reach our ambitious goal of creating a greener, cleaner future for all New Yorkers, we need to make decarbonisation a top priority. The Carbontech Development Initiative will help us to establish this innovative practice right here in New York, while simultaneously fueling economic growth and community engagement.”       

The new large-scale renewable energy procurement programme, Competitive Tier 2, has been launched by the State governor Andrew Cuomo.

The goal is to retain New York’s existing renewable energy resources, promote lower statewide carbon emissions and help support the state’s economic recovery by increasing in-state competition and reducing energy costs.

Competitive Tier 2 will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

The programme will ensure the state’s existing baseline renewable energy generation is retained through three annual solicitations, in parallel with NYSERDA’s other solicitations for new large-scale, land-based and offshore wind projects.

In its first Competitive Tier 2 solicitation, NYSERDA is seeking proposals from existing privately-owned hydropower and land-based wind generators in New York State that entered commercial operation prior to January 1, 2015.

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The procurement approach is expected to increase the amount of locally-produced renewable energy under contract with New York State, promote greater in-state competition to help the State achieve the lowest possible cost of renewable energy for New Yorkers, and allow Community Choice Aggregations to continue to voluntarily participate in the market.

In October, the New York State Public Service Commission approved an Order directing NYSERDA to create the competitive Tier 2 programme as part of an expansion of the landmark Clean Energy Standard.

Governor Cuomo has set a goal to obtain 70% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 as mandated in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

Governor Cuomo said: “With our nation-leading initiatives, New York is taking incredible steps to reduce our carbon footprint and increase our use of renewable energies.

“Keeping renewable energy in New York expands our economy, giving added momentum to our efforts to build back better and stronger. New York has been at the forefront of the fight against climate change and we will continue to be an example of how this fight can be won.”

NYSERDA acting CEO, Doreen M. Harris said, “Governor Cuomo is ensuring New York is using every tool at its disposal to accelerate our progress towards the State’s nation-leading climate and clean energy goals while harnessing the power of clean energy to help build back our economy. This new program will diversify our energy mix and incentivize resources to continue operation and keep their renewable energy here in New York State.”

Gavin Donohue, president of the Independent Power Producers of New York, reiterates: “Preserving our existing renewable energy facilities is imperative to building our green economy and a new energy future. Valuing their economic benefits will provide much-needed stability. We applaud Governor Cuomo for recognizing the need to support these resources as a critical baseline as New York’s generator community continues to invest so our state can build back better.”

Launched by the State University of New York (SUNY) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI) will train some 2,500 workers.

The launch of OWTI is part of the largest public investment in offshore wind workforce development by any state in the US.

The $20 million investment in the state’s new training institute will advance offshore wind training programmes and educational infrastructure needed to establish a skilled workforce that can support the emerging national offshore wind industry.

SUNY’s Farmingdale State College and Stony Brook University on Long Island will partner to support educational and training organisations focusing on early training and skills development, including pre-apprenticeship training, for disadvantaged communities and workforce training initiatives that build partnerships between businesses, labor, workforce development and training institutions to support local supply chains and manufacturing.

Up to $3 million is funding has been announced by OWTI for this initiative.

The OWTI will also collaborate closely with the newly established National Offshore Wind Training Center (NOWTC), for which Suffolk County Community College serves as the academic anchor arm through a $10 million partnership with the Sunrise Wind Project (a joint venture of Ørsted A/S and Eversource Energy).

The launch of the training institute is part of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2021 State of the State.

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New York prepares future clean energy workforce with two new programmes

As part of the 2021 State of the State, Andrew Cuomo announced offshore wind awards totaling nearly 2,500MW – the largest offshore wind procurement in the nation’s history.

These projects will be a major economic driver, supporting more than 5,200 direct jobs with a combined economic activity of $8.9 billion in labour, supplies, development and manufacturing statewide.

The training programme supports the state’s goal of developing 9,000MW of offshore wind capacity by 2035.

State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras, said: As we rebuild the post-COVID economy, we must focus on up-and-coming industries that are primed for growth. I want to thank Stony Brook University and Farmingdale State College for lending their top of the line facilities and the expertise of their faculty to this important effort. With their help and Governor Cuomo’s leadership, we will train thousands of workers annually for high-paying green energy jobs and play critical role in New York’s economic recovery.”

The methodology was applied in simulation to a real-world circuit of RG&E with the aim to inform the provisioning of reactive power dispatch and other grid services for local voltage support via the leveraging of distributed energy resources.

The project, which used Smarter Grid Solutions’ Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) solutions ANM Strata and ANM Element, focussed on two scenarios, the company says.

First, RG&E’s Spencerport grid was assessed with 1.65MVAr of fixed capacitor banks providing conventional voltage support by delivering constant reactive power with the distributed resources dynamically meeting the reactive power needs of the local loads. The two reactive power sources resulted in an additional 10.4GVArh of total annual reactive power backfeed being measured.

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In the second scenario, the fixed capacitor banks were removed from the model to analyse the impact of relying solely on modern distributed resources for reactive power support. In this scenario, the distributed resources were able to dynamically support the grid while maintaining a power factor of 0.97 at the substation, effectively replacing the capacitors and avoiding the excessive reactive power backfeed resulting from the first scenario.

These results demonstrate the potential of modern distributed energy resources to provide an alternative to traditional grid assets while also tackling the climate emergency and helping New York move towards its 2050 net zero, according to a statement.

“This project was a crucial first step for RG&E and Avangrid to become the distributed system platform provider of the future,” says Bob Manning, Program Director, Smart Grids Innovation and Planning at Avangrid.

“Agility and collaboration are foundational values that we support, and this work is an example of our commitment to building a cleaner energy future. We look forward to building upon the valuable lessons learned.”

The project was supported with $200,000 funding from the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA).

RG&E is a subsidiary of Avangrid serving 383,600 electricity customers and 317,660 natural gas customers in a nine-county region centred on the City of Rochester in New York state.

Despite the devastating effect of covid-19 on economies, NY Green Bank says it has managed to remain on track on climate action financing.

The bank executed 16 clean energy and sustainable infrastructure transactions representing $165.9 million in new investments in the second and third quarters.

The transactions brought the bank’s total commitments to $1.1 billion.

These commitments are expected to spur up to $3 billion in clean energy investments and help New York to achieve its goal of 100% zero-emission electricity production by 2040.

NY Green Bank’s unprecedented third quarter follows its strongest second quarter to date.

NY Green Bank generated $13.4 million in revenue during the second and third quarters, bringing its cumulative total revenue since inception to $100.2 million.

The revenues allow NY Green Bank to remain self-sustaining while reinvesting capital back into future clean energy projects.

Projects supported by NY Green Bank’s investments to date are expected to reduce between 11.6 and 21.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions for all New Yorkers, equivalent to removing more than 200,000 cars off the road for 24 years.

Projects financed across the state in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis included wind farms, community distributed solar plus storage, renewable and energy efficiency projects to benefit low- and moderate-income communities, fuel cells, and more.

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To remain responsive to changing financing needs in the clean energy market, NY Green Bank also developed the following financing solutions to address COVID-19-related issues:

• Allow deferral on loan repayments for borrowers in good standing that demonstrate hardship related to COVID-19 and that they will use added liquidity for payroll purposes;
• Finance interconnection deposits to eligible large-scale renewables and community distributed generation developers with corporate guarantees and/or a pledge of assets as collateral; and
• Restructure financing to enable borrowers to secure federal or state stimulus funding.

To further support clean energy and sustainable infrastructure business during COVID-19, NY Green Bank became an approved lender under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Programme and issued four loans to businesses that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York State.

Alfred Griffin, president of NY Green Bank, said: “Throughout the pandemic, NY Green Bank has remained committed to ensuring that the momentum of clean energy deployment in New York State holds strong.

“We have provided liquidity to the market through challenging times and will continue to do so in a prudent relationship-driven manner.”

Doreen M. Harris, president of NYSERDA said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership and vision for a carbon-neutral economy, NY Green Bank continues to make investments that stimulate the development and scale-up of clean energy resources. These investments demonstrate that we are making significant progress to realize an equitable clean energy future, as well as send a clear signal to private developers and investors that New York State is a strong market for green innovation and economic development.”

The funding will be allocated to install fast EV chargers to support wider EV adoption and is part of a $127.7 million federal Volkswagen Settlement fund.

Funds secured through the federal settlement with Volkswagen are strategically invested in New York State under the Clean Transportation NY plan.

The Direct Current Fast Charger programme will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to scale up electric vehicle infrastructure in areas of the state where access to fast-charging stations is limited.

The project will also prioritise improving the availability of charging infrastructure in disadvantaged communities.

Increased use of clean transportation supports Governor Cuomo’s goal for an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under the nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in New York, representing approximately 36% of the state’s total emissions.

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New York State has plans to invest $1 billion in electrifying its transportation sector.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, said: “New York continues to serve as a national model for reducing greenhouse emissions. As part of our efforts, we must ensure all New Yorkers, no matter where they live or their economic status, have access to the infrastructure required for using electric vehicles.

“This investment will build the infrastructure necessary for empowering more consumers to choose clean, electric transportation options, while making electric vehicles an accessible option for all New Yorkers.”

The pay-for-performance residential energy savings pilot programme will offer innovative energy solutions to customers in one- to four-family homes in Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego counties in Central New York.

NYSERDA will award up to $6 million in funding which energy efficiency service providers will leverage to deliver energy savings to approximately 1,500 National Grid electricity and natural gas customers.

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Selected energy sufficiency service providers will be compensated over three years for achieving energy savings measured using advanced utility meter data.

Energy efficiency providers will offer marketing support to help offset administrative costs. National Grid will take advantage of the project to mitigate the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.

Participating consumers will install packages of measures such as insulation, air sealing, lighting, smart thermostats, high efficiency hot water heaters, and similar energy savings solutions to a larger portfolio of homes over a number of years.

The project is expected to deliver additional energy and bill savings of 10% to 30% for customers. The initiative supports Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading goals in the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), including an energy efficiency goal of 185 Trillion BTUs in end-use savings in the building and industrial sector by 2025 as well as an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Doreen M. Harris, Acting President and CEO NYSERDA, said: “Buildings are one of the leading generators of greenhouse gas emissions in New York and by bringing the benefits of energy efficiency to the residential market, we will be taking another significant step in achieving Governor Cuomo’s climate goals that will protect our communities and natural resources. We are excited to partner with National Grid to launch this groundbreaking pilot for Central New York homeowners and expect that it will serve as a successful model for spurring residential efficiency solutions in the rest of the state.”

Melanie Littlejohn, National Grid vice president for New York, said: “We are committed to supporting the Home Energy Savings Program to benefit our customers as part of our joint partnership with NYSERDA to find innovative solutions to lower energy use and increase cost savings.

“This customer-focused program is another step in helping us bring smarter, cleaner and more resilient energy solutions to meet our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

The state governor Andrew Cuomo has unveiled the Career Pathway Training Partnerships programme in high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as electric heat pump technologies.

The aim of the training programme is to prepare New Yorkers for the growing number of job opportunities in the clean energy industry.

The partnerships will target training over 1,000 workers and prioritize the state’s most underserved populations, including low-income New Yorkers and those residing in environmental justice communities, helping support the state’s economic recovery.

The programme will see $8.5 million in investments for workforce training in support of the governor’s Climate Week actions to cut hydroflourocarbons.

A $3 million Next Generation HAVC Innovation Challenge has also been created to develop and scale environmentally friendly refrigerants without HFCs as part of the initiative.

The programme will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

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NYSERDA will provide awards up to $550,000 to selected training providers.

Providers seeking the maximum funding amount are required to train a minimum of 50-60 students with at least 80% of those trained placed in a job, internship or apprenticeship.

Also announced is an agreement between NYSERDA and the City College of New York to implement a permanent energy efficiency workforce development training programme for West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc. Under the program, CCNY will help train up to 10 long-term training specialists in energy efficiency technology, real-time diagnostic and usage analytics, and performance optimization for all mechanical and engineering systems in use at WHGA’s buildings throughout New York City.

Acting president and CEO NYSERDA Doreen M. Harris said, “These investments in the workforce of the future will support training providers in their efforts to attract and train workers in energy efficiency and connect them with careers and real work experience leading to job placement in well-paying energy efficiency careers. As NYSERDA continues to work toward Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading climate and energy goals, we recognize the importance of a partnership like this one with CUNY in helping to upskill the workforce of the 21st century for growing careers in the green economy.”

The community project is comprised of 557kW of rooftop solar paired with 490kW four-hour Tesla Powerpack lithium-ion battery storage.

It is expected to provide the participants with approximately 10% savings on their monthly electricity bills over 25 years, as well as provide power to 12 Tesla electric vehicle charging stations.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provided nearly $800,000 in support of project.

Installation was by IPPsolar and it is owned and operated by the property company Urstadt Biddle Properties.

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Doreen M. Harris, Acting President and CEO, NYSERDA, said: “Community solar is becoming an increasingly popular option for New Yorkers across the state as it allows those who have challenges hosting their own solar installations to still participate and receive the benefits of clean energy,” commented.

“This first community solar project paired with energy storage also provides a system that allows for the clean energy produced to be used where and when the electric grid needs it the most.”

Community projects comprise another layer in the decentralised energy system, being suited to those who lack their own rooftops, such as in apartment blocks. They also offer the opportunity for sharing of investment costs such as in small communities that wish to benefit from renewables.

Energy is still delivered to participants through their regular electricity provider while the power produced from the community solar project is fed directly into the grid. As a result, the grid is supplied with clean energy and participants receive credit for this power through their electricity bills.

New York has actively promoted community projects in support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s goals to install 6,000MW of solar by 2025 and 3,000MW of energy storage by 2030.

NYSERDA’s project pipeline, under its Retail Energy Storage Incentive programme, currently counts 50 community solar-storage paired projects across the state which are expected to be installed in the next two to three years.

Learn more about the project here.

NYSERDA and the Climate Action Council announced the six advisory panels that will advise the Council on how to prepare a Scoping Plan to achieve the State’s bold clean energy and climate agenda.

The Advisory Panels will help the Climate Action Council to design a strategic plan to transform New York’s economy, create new jobs, and stimulate industry and innovation, while building more resilient communities to better protect all New Yorkers. The Just Transition Working Group will help to ensure New York’s workforce is prepared for and stands to benefit from the State’s transition to renewable energy.

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The panels are comprised of representatives from public, private, academic, environmental, and community groups that cover six different economic sectors: Agriculture and Forestry; Energy Intensive and Trade-Exposed Industries; Housing and Energy Efficiency; Land Use and Local Government; Power Generation; and Transportation.

The development falls under efforts to align the plan with the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Based on the latest climate science, the CLCPA sets targets that are among the most rigorous of any major economy in the world.

The Just Transition Working Group and six advisory panels were approved at the Climate Action Council meeting which took place Aug. 24, 2020. 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner Basil Seggos, said: “While the federal government dithers on climate change, Governor Cuomo is showing real leadership on one of the defining issues of our time. The only way to truly combat climate change and achieve New York’s game-changing goals is to engage with a broad range of stakeholders across the state. The members of the Just Transition.

“Working Group and Advisory Panels represent the diversity of our great state, with leaders from communities of color, labor, industry, government, agriculture, environment, housing, and academia. All New Yorkers must help guide a just transition to a cleaner energy future. We’ve already seen the devastating effects of climate change. We are committed to putting thousands of people back to work in clean jobs and ensuring that all of our communities, particularly those most at risk from climate change, stand to benefit from New York’s transition to a greener future.”

Doreen M. Harris, the CEO of NYSERDA, adds: “The knowledge and expertise of the Just Transition Working Group and Advisory Panels members will serve a critical role in providing the significant and comprehensive thoughts and recommendations that will be considered in developing and achieving New York’s roadmap to a carbon-neutral future. I look forward to working with the Climate Action Council to provide the foundation to empower our diverse communities across the state to actively take a role in achieving the State’s ambitious climate goals while ensuring all New Yorkers including those in underserved communities, benefit with good-paying jobs and clean, affordable energy from New York’s burgeoning green economy.”

Visit climate.ny.gov/advisory-panel for the lists of Advisory Panel members and members of the Just Transition Working Group.  

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) confirmed the Port Cortlandt waterfront site is among 11 sites competing for up to $200 million in grant funding to develop critical port infrastructure. The funding is part of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to developing 9,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035 – the most aggressive offshore wind plan in the US.

Port Cortlandt’s bid seeks to redevelop a 54-acre waterfront and upland property owned by the Town of Cortlandt just south of Indian Point Energy Center, which is owned and operated by Entergy Nuclear Northeast. The Center is scheduled to be shut down next year to complete Entergy’s exit from its merchant power business due to sustained low wholesale energy prices. The facility is a three-unit 2,000MW nuclear power plant station located in Buchanan, New York.

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The new project could bring investment, green jobs, community benefits and a new source of tax revenue, as the shutdown will leave a large impact.

New York’s offshore wind supply chain depends on the type of infrastructure that Port Cortlandt is ideally suited for, says NYSERDA, including vital wind turbine manufacturing, fabrication, storage and launching facilities.

Located alongside a deep-water channel, Port Cortlandt offers natural protection from storm surges and flooding, and the unused property promises to require low construction and operational costs, according to the state. The development could exceed 180 acres in total.

A proposer’s conference was held on Aug. 12 and bids are due Oct. 20. A proposer’s conference provides an opportunity for proposers to clarify or elaborate on any plans and answer questions. NYSERDA expects New York’s first two offshore wind ports to be operational by 2024.

James F. Creighton, town councilman for Cortlandt, said, “The announcement that Port Cortlandt could help support the green infrastructure needs of New York State while bringing major investment and good paying union jobs to our community is welcome news here in Cortlandt. With the imminent closing of the last Indian Point nuclear generating unit next April, the Town of Cortlandt is committed to remaining a vibrant, beautiful, economically stable and sustainable community in the Hudson Valley region.”

“This project could not have come at a better time, especially after the announcement of the closure of Indian Point Energy Center and pending loss of 1,000 jobs,” said Thomas Carey, president of the Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO.” This project will require a skilled workforce, which means high paying jobs to those who need it most. This is a very exciting project to many of us in the building trades as we look forward to the future energy needs of not only Westchester County but all across the country. I always supported the nuclear industry but now we must look to the future of clean energy and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Originally published on POWERGRID International.

The solicitations seek up to 4,000MW of renewable capacity to combat climate change.

New York’s second offshore wind solicitation seeks up to 2,500MW of projects, the largest in the nation’s history, in addition to last year’s solicitation which resulted in nearly 1,700MW awarded.

The solicitation includes a multi-port strategy and requirement for offshore wind generators to partner with any of the 11 prequalified New York ports to stage, construct, manufacture key components, or coordinate operations and maintenance activities.

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This solicitation has the potential to bring New York State halfway toward its goal of 9,000MW of offshore wind by 2035 and meet Governor Cuomo’s climate and environment goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

New York State has set a goal to secure 70% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.

Funding for port investments will include $400 million in both public and private funding.

In addition to the offshore wind solicitation, the Governor, through NYSERDA and NYPA, also announced the issuance of the nation’s largest coordinated solicitations for land-based large-scale renewable energy projects by a US state, under the State’s ambitious Clean Energy Standard. 

The combined solicitations from NYSERDA and NYPA seek to procure over 1,500MW of clean, renewable energy, enough to power nearly 500,000 homes.

The solicitations, combined with a competitive multi-port funding opportunity are expected to spur approximately $7 billion in direct investments and to create approximately 4,500 jobs.

The offshore wind, port infrastructure, and land-based renewable solicitations seek to procure approximately 12 million MWh, enough to power over 1.5 million homes annually.

The solicitations are expected to result in $3 billion in environmental net benefits over the 20- to 25-year life of the projects.

Governor Cuomo said: “During one of the most challenging years New York has ever faced, we remain laser-focused on implementing our nation-leading climate plan and growing our clean energy economy, not only to bring significant economic benefits and jobs to the state, but to quickly attack climate change at its source by reducing our emissions.

“With these record-breaking solicitations for renewable energy and new port infrastructure, New York continues to lead the way with the most ambitious Green New Deal in the nation, creating a future fueled by clean, renewable energy sources.”

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two paves the way for best practices to be quickly developed and implemented related to COVID-mitigating indoor air quality (IAQ), building electrification and energy efficiency improvements.

NYSERDA and ASHRAE will target a number of public and private buildings across the state.

ASHRAE and NYSERDA will evaluate and publicly release the energy impact of improved IAQ technologies including Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation, which can be installed inside an air handling system and uses ultraviolet energy to inactivate organisms. This helps to minimise airborne exposure to potential diseases such as the COVID/Corona family of viruses.

NYSERDA and ASHRAE will ensure that existing and newly identified technologies will be deployed in an energy efficient and cost effective manner.

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ASHRAE will provide its technical expertise to help New York State meet its climate change, clean energy, market transformation and carbon emissions reduction goals codified in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The two parties will ensure the safe reopening and operation of buildings across the state in accordance with the NY-Forward regional reopening plan.

NYSERDA and ASHRAE will also share existing research, resources, current knowledge, and best practices on minimising airborne pathogen exposure through improved IAQ/Ventilation/UVGI in buildings.

The two organisations will develop guidance documents, technical manuals, and associated training for building owners, operators and service providers, and encourage the development and adoption of new energy efficient designs, technologies, and operational approaches.

The partnership is expected accelerate New York towards its goal of an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

As New Yorkers return to work, minimising the transmission of health and life-threatening viruses and focusing on a healthy indoor environment will be key to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the press statement.

Doreen M. Harris, Acting President and CEO, NYSERDA said: “This is a groundbreaking partnership that establishes a framework to help address some of society’s most pressing health and climate issues as we build back better under the strong leadership of Governor Cuomo.

“Now more than ever, prioritising safe indoor air quality while simultaneously working toward energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions for existing and emerging technology will help reduce the overall carbon footprint of New York’s building stock and protect our health, and we thank ASHRAE for their ongoing support with these important endeavors.” 

2020-21 ASHRAE President Charles E. Gulledge III, P.E. said, “ASHRAE has taken a leadership role in providing technical resources to ensure the health and safety of building occupants as we start the transition into a post-COVID-19 environment. Our partnership with NYSERDA will leverage the collective strength of our organizations as we implement innovative energy management and indoor air quality practices to address today’s building challenges.”

NYSERDA and ASHRAE will work together with partners such as the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and New York Energy Consumer’s Council (NYECC), in order to accelerate New York’s goal of carbon-neutral building stock.

Smarter Grid Solutions (SGS) will provide its ANM Strata distributed energy resources (DER) management platform for the pilot.

The solution provider will work with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Borrego Solar to demonstrate how smart inverters can be integrated with an advanced energy distribution management system to optimise DER management and ensure reliability of the grid network.

The integrated platform will be tested in Orange & Rockland Utilities’ grid network.

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SGS’s was one of five winning teams announced under the first two rounds of NYSERDA’s Future Grid Challenge, which is aimed at developing solutions to integrate clean and renewable energy into the electric grid in support of Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading climate and clean energy goals.

Tim McDuffie, SGS senior business development engineer, said: “Many utilities are pushing forward in both grid-edge supporting technologies like smart inverters and higher-level supervisory and control networks using ADMS – we are using ANM Strata to fill the gap between smart inverters and ADMS.

“This project will begin with hardware in the loop (HIL) testing, which will allow for use cases and operating parameters to be analysed in a controlled environment using actual equipment, like smart inverters and simulated energy storage systems.

“ANM Strata’s flexibility will allow it to be essentially ‘unplugged’ from the lab equipment and connected to field equipment as part of the field deployment stage of the project. This will allow for a maximum amount crossover between lab testing to field conditions and will allow for improved HIL testing methods in the future.

“The advanced DERMS functionality to integrate, automate, and optimize the use of photovoltaic systems paired with energy storage through smart inverter control is an integral component in a clean energy transition. This project provides important steps forward in realising the full benefits for utilities and energy asset owners.”

Since 2016, NYSERDA’s Smart Grid programme has awarded approximately $53 million under 69 contracts to grid technology companies and research organizations for projects including low-cost high-accuracy grid sensors, modeling and simulation tools, and advanced engineering solutions for more effective integration of renewable energy resources.

These projects, which New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and other state and local agencies will ensure are sited and developed responsibly, will spur over $2.5 billion in direct, private investments toward their development, construction and operation and create over 2,000 short-term and long-term jobs.

The awards accelerate New York’s progress towards governor Cuomo’s Green New Deal goal to obtain 70% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, as codified by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and supports the State mandate for a 100% carbon-free electricity sector by 2040.

“New York continues to be a leader in developing large-scale renewable energy projects in a way that brings significant economic benefits and jobs to the state,” Cuomo said. “With these projects we will build on our aggressive strategy to combat climate change and lay a foundation for a more sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”

This milestone demonstrates New York’s real-time commitment to implementing the most ambitious clean energy agenda in the United States. Expected to generate over 2.5 million megawatt-hours of renewable energy annually – the projects will provide enough to power over 350,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by more than 1.3 million metric tons annually, equivalent to taking nearly 300,000 cars off the road every year.

The awards, totalling $1 billion in state investment, include projects that offered bids 23% lower than the bids received three years ago, representing considerable value for New Yorkers and highlighting the continuing significant cost declines of renewable energy.

The awards announced are the third in a series of annual NYSERDA land-based renewable procurements that are expected to result in the development of dozens of large-scale renewable energy projects over the coming decade. 

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Several of the projects awarded are expected to break ground as soon as late 2020 and all projects are expected to be operational by 2024.

As the State continues its progress towards the 2030 renewable energy target, it will also continue to emphasise and enhance engagement with the communities where projects are being developed. In order to directly assist communities, NYSERDA will also continue to offer resources and no-cost technical assistance to all cities, towns, and villages throughout the state.

The competitively selected projects include 17 large-scale solar projects, which reaffirms New York as a national leader for solar development. In addition, four utility-scale wind projects received awards, comprised of three redevelopment upgrades to existing wind projects and one new large-scale wind project. Two solar projects will include energy storage to enhance integration of renewable energy resources into the electric grid, and which will support the State’s nation-leading goal to install 3,000MW of energy storage by 2030.

The 21 large-scale renewable energy projects (by region) are:

Capital Region

• Bald Mountain Solar: Boralex will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the town of Greenwich.
• West River Solar: Boralex will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the town of Moreau.
• SunEast Hilltop Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the town of Schaghticoke.

Central New York

• Garnet Energy Center: NextEra Energy Resources will build a 200MW solar facility, accompanied by 20MW of energy storage, in the town of Conquest.

Finger Lakes

• Highview Solar Project: SunEast Development will build a 20MW solar facility in the town of Castile.

Mohawk Valley

• SunEast Flat Hill Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the town of Manheim.
• SunEast Grassy Knoll Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the town of Manheim.
• SunEast Limestone Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the town of Perth.
• SunEast Tabletop Solar: SunEast Development will build a 80MW solar facility in the town of Palatine.

North Country

• ELP Ticonderoga Solar: East Light Partners will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the town of Ticonderoga.
• North Side Energy Center: NextEra Energy Resources will build a 180MW solar facility in the towns of Brasher, Massena, and Norfolk.
• Sandy Creek Solar: Boralex will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the towns of Adams and Ellisburg.
• Greens Corners Solar: Boralex will build a 120MW solar facility in the towns of Hounsfield and Watertown
• SunEast Fairway Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the town of Oswegatchie.

Southern Tier

• Cohocton Wind Project: TerraForm Power will repower an existing wind farm, leading to an increase in new renewable capacity of 35.8MW in the town Cohocton.
• Prattsburgh Wind Farm: Terra-Gen will build a 145MW wind farm in the towns of Avoca, Cohocton, Prattsburgh, and Wheeler.
• SunEast Valley Solar: SunEast Development will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the town of Owego.

Western New York

• Martin Rd Solar: Empire Renewables, LLC will build a 19.99MW solar facility in the towns of Machias and Yorkshire.
• South Ripley Solar and Storage: ConnectGen will build a 270MW solar facility, accompanied by 20MW of energy storage, in the town of Ripley.
• Steel Winds Wind Farm: TerraForm Power will repower an existing wind farm, leading to an increase in new renewable capacity of 4.8MW in the city of Lackawanna.
• Steel Winds Wind Farm 2: TerraForm Power will repower an existing wind farm, leading to an increase in new renewable capacity of 2.6MW in the city of Lackawanna and the town of Hamburg.

Building on the momentum of these project awards, NYSERDA will issue the next solicitation for large-scale renewable energy under the Clean Energy Standard by Earth Day, 2020. Maintaining a predictable pace of annual solicitations for renewable energy will support continued development and investment interest in New York State, and build on the State’s status as a leading market for renewable energy development in the US.

The fund has an initial $6 million in capital to finance clean energy startups seeking to match investments from qualified investors.

The Co-Investment Fund is part of New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s climate change programme Green New Deal.

Alicia Barton, the CEO of NYSERDA, said, “Emerging cleantech companies are the foundation of New York’s clean energy future, making it critical that we continue providing the support and tools they need to succeed. Investing in new technologies will play an increasingly vital role in our success as Governor Cuomo continues to lead the nation with his ambitious clean energy goals and agenda, and NYSERDA is proud to continue its work making investments and matching investors with New York’s cleantech companies of the future.”

Eligible companies must be based in New York or if outside New York, must show a demonstrated benefit to the state. The matching investments will be non-dilutive (i.e. companies will not have to transfer shares or control of their companies to NYSERDA) and range from $150,000 to up to $500,000 based on a minimum 2:1 ratio of qualifying private capital investment to NYSERDA dollars.

Companies interested in applying for the Co-Investment Fund support should visit NYSERDA’s website.

Investors interested in becoming qualified for the Co-Investment Fund can apply through NYSERDA’s Request for Qualifications.

In total, NYSERDA is deploying $800 million over 10 years to support early-stage companies so they can de-risk technology, validate markets and define customers, and build teams.

The service is part of the Residential Energy Audit Programme which is receiving funding from the state’s 10-year, $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund.

The assessment includes a review of consumer energy bills and household consumption patterns, a report documenting current energy performance and recommendations for improvements.

Read more about energy efficiency here

Consumers will leverage the audit recommendations to save on utility bills while increasing their home’s comfort by better moderating temperature, eliminating drafts and improving air quality.

Assessed households will have access to the Green Jobs – Green New York Residential Loan Fund. The fund will provide consumers with access to smart home devices’ installation services, low-interest financing and pathways to training for various green-collar careers.

More than 130,000 New York households have received energy audits since 2010.

The free energy assessments are expected to help the state to achieve its 40% by 2030 carbon emissions reduction goal and targets set under the New Efficiency: New York 2025 to reduce energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs below forecasted energy use in 2025.

Alicia Barton, the CEO of NYSERDA said, “… New York is leading the country when it comes to deploying a broad-based strategy to fight climate change, and New York homeowners can help play a role by lowering the carbon footprints of their own homes. The new Residential Energy Audit programme will provide homeowners with an opportunity to lower their energy costs, fight climate change, and live sustainably and comfortably in their home by making informed home energy improvement decisions.”

The state has plans to spend up to $33 billion over the next five years with the majority of the funding being directed towards projects to protect the environment. For instance, the government wants to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects and spend up to $25 billion in the building programme.

$275 billion infrastructure programme which includes $87 billion for transportation, $35 billion for improving environmental facilities and parks and the development of green energy over the next five years.

All funds spending $178 billion for the financial year 2021.

$28 billion has been budgeted for green energy projects over the next five years.

$1.5 billion has been planned for carbon-free transportation and an additional $25 million funding to harden security infrastructure

The budget is expected to help the state to achieve its 70% renewable energy target by 2030 and zero greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2040.

The $33 billion budget will support the state’s $28 billion Climate plan in which through NYSERDA, New York Green Bank, NYPA and the Regional Greenhouse Gas, New York is developing and expanding carbon-free energy production, building the infrastructure such as transmission lines and energy storage that make renewable energy sources viable.

Governor Cuomo said: “This budget is a roadmap for delivering progressive results for the people of this state and addressing the imminent challenges of our time by advancing social, racial and economic justice. We’re proposing historic investments in climate change and infrastructure programmes and fixing the school aid formula to ensure poorer schools get the funding they need.”

The main aim is to combat climate change.

The investments will be provided by the New York State Public Service Commission (NYSERDA) to help consumers of investor-owned utilities to save money and energy.

The investment will result in a 3% reduction in annual electric usage and a 1.3% reduction in annual gas usage by 2025

Up to $6.8 million of the announced funding will be directed towards clean heat and energy efficiency programmes by NYSERDA, the New York Power Authority and the Long Island Power through 2025.

$1.2 billion will be devoted to energy efficiency measures and heat pumps.

More than $13 billion in utility bills is expected to be saved from programmes set to be funded by the $2 billion. The investment is also expected to reduce carbon emissions by 3 million tons, equivalent to removing 600,000 gas-powered cars from the roads.

The investment is expected to help the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050.

Governor Cuomo said: “Climate change is a real and growing threat to New York’s environment and economy and to the health of our people, and we’re already experiencing the negative impacts in the form of increased weather-related emergencies.

“This historic investment shows we are aggressively pursuing clean energy alternatives to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, growing jobs in clean energy industries and protecting our environment for current and future generations.”

This means New York is now able to power 244,000 homes using solar energy.

The milestone is a result of up to $4 billion in investment made by the private sector in the state’s solar industry and a decrease in the cost of solar technologies by 60% since 2011.

The milestone represents a 1,800% growth of the solar industry in New York. Up to 12,000 jobs have been created since 2011.

The development represents one-third of the solar capacity needed to achieve the state-wide target to install 6GW of solar by 2025 and supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s nation-leading Green New Deal, which calls for 70% of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030.

“Solar is a vital part of New York’s Green New Deal strategy to transition to a clean energy future and reduce carbon emissions to combat one of the most pressing issues of our time–climate change,” Governor Cuomo said. “The success of this initiative demonstrates we are on a path to meeting our nation-leading energy goals, and our climate agenda is spurring economic growth and leaving this planet cleaner and greener for generations to come.”