Innovative Pilot Aligned with Reforming the Energy Vision Encourages Improved Efficiency
at Utility Electric Generation Sites, Creating Cleaner Energy Delivery in New York

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is making available $14.5 million for replicable projects that demonstrate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at power plants through the use of market-ready technologies.

Examples of eligible technologies include advanced controls for plants, boiler controls, advanced burners, turbine retrofits, waste-heat recovery, or in-facility electrical load reduction and efficiency improvements. Under-utilized technologies, as well as proven new and advanced technologies, are encouraged.

“These types of investments support Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision initiative, reduce the environmental impact of energy production and position the State as a leader in the clean energy economy," said John B. Rhodes, NYSERDA President and CEO. "Reducing the amount of pollutants in the atmosphere is vitally important as we continue to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable New York State.”

Under this new pilot program, up to $2 million will be available per project. As part of the criteria for funding, all projects must be replicable as part of the effort to promote similar cleaner energy delivery projects across New York and support the growth of these market-ready technologies.

Power plant proposers must demonstrate sustained greenhouse gas reductions upon completion of the project. Project results will be disseminated among the power generation sector in New York State for possible replication.

Projects will be evaluated against a set of criteria that includes total tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) reduced, cost per ton of CO2 reduced, duration of CO2 reduction and technical merit/replicability of the project. For more information, please visit http://nyserda.ny.gov/powergentech.

Funding for this program is made possible through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is the first innovative market-based mechanism in the United States to cap and cost-effectively reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector that are contributing to global climate change. RGGI was the world’s first program to auction the emission credits (rather than give them away for free) and invest the auction proceeds in projects that conserve energy, save consumers money and support the transition to cleaner and more efficient production of electricity. The investment of RGGI funds in this new pilot program are intended to help reduce the costs of achieving the RGGI program’s CO2 reductions goals by fostering technologies that will promote more efficient electricity generation.

Under Governor Cuomo’s strategic Reforming the Energy Vision initiative, New York State is actively spurring clean energy innovation, bringing in new investments and improving consumer choice while protecting the environment and energizing New York’s economy at the state and local levels.

By unleashing innovation, New York is pioneering a new statewide approach, giving customers new opportunities for energy savings, local power generation and enhanced reliability to provide safe, clean, affordable electric service for all customers. By unleashing markets, through statewide initiatives such as the Clean Energy Fund and $1 billion NY Green Bank, New York is moving to diversify its support of the clean energy industry to address market barriers and attract private capital necessary to achieve the State’s economic development and environmental objectives. By empowering communities and creating jobs through programs like Community Solar NY, including K-Solar for schools, the $40 million NY Prize competition for community microgrids and the $1 billion NY-Sun initiative, New York is leveraging the power of its state institutions and government agencies to integrate local energy resources and meet the needs of New York’s communities.

 About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit http://nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram.