Empowering Clean Energy: New York State Ramps Up Research Incentives for Energy Storage

Exciting Advances in Sustainable Energy: Funding Granted to Four Long-Duration Energy Storage Projects

In a remarkable stride toward sustainable energy solutions, New York State has approved funding for four groundbreaking demonstration projects aimed at testing and scaling diverse long-duration energy storage technologies. These initiatives hold the potential to revolutionize the way we store and utilize renewable energy, ushering in a greener and more efficient future.

At the forefront of this movement is the New York State Build Public Renewables Act, a visionary strategy endorsed by climate and renewable energy advocates. This strategic plan is designed to propel New York towards economy-wide carbon neutrality by the mid-century mark. Central to this endeavor is the creation of a green transmission grid, an ambitious undertaking that hinges on the availability of safe, affordable energy storage systems capable of meeting the immense electricity demands of residential and commercial sectors.

Governor Hochul’s recent announcement about the formation of the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group further underscores the state’s commitment to safety and sustainability. This collaboration of emergency environmental and public service institutions will be dedicated to investigating energy storage facility fires and establishing stringent safety standards. By partnering with national experts and cutting-edge laboratories, the group aims to enhance fire prevention measures and develop innovative approaches to constructing a resilient green grid infrastructure capable of handling substantial electricity loads while minimizing the risk of fires.

In tandem with these visionary initiatives, New York State is directing substantial investments into the development of affordable, long-duration renewable energy storage solutions. Notably, four demonstration projects have been selected to receive financial support aligned with this forward-thinking objective.

Ecolectro, Inc., a pioneering climate science company, has secured a grant of $1.08 million to expand their efforts in reducing the cost of sustainably produced hydrogen. Hydrogen, generated through the process of electrolysis, holds remarkable potential for storing vast quantities of green energy over extended periods. These reserves can serve as reliable backup power sources during peak demand periods and inclement weather events. However, the current cost of hydrogen production has proven to be a barrier. According to a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems and Innovation the Future Progress and Neutrality (ISE and IPA), the proton exchange membrane (PEM) method for producing hydrogen costs between $4900 and $6000 for just one standard cubic meter in 60 minutes. Ecolectro Inc. is embarking on a pilot demonstration in collaboration with Liberty Utilities, utilizing a 10 kW electrolysis unit to tackle this challenge head-on.

Form Energy, a Massachusetts-based grid-scale energy storage innovator, has emerged as a key player in reshaping the global electric system. Established by industry veterans in 2017, Form Energy is on a mission to introduce a new class of low-cost, multi-day energy storage solutions. Their New York proposal introduces a commercial-scale 10 MW iron-air battery demonstration system, which harnesses the power of iron’s transformation into rust and back into iron to store electricity. This cycle facilitates the flow of electric current, enabling efficient energy storage. Form Energy’s remarkable vision has earned them a substantial award of $1.2 million from New York State, and they’ve recently announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility in West Virginia to further their mission.

PolyJoule Inc., an innovative energy storage company, has been granted $1.03 million to install a cutting-edge 2 MW/h, 167 kW PolyJoule battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Astoria Generating Station in Queens, New York. This demonstration project is set to employ cost-effective and widely available materials, with a primary focus on plastic for battery electrodes. In addition to its affordability, plastic’s unique properties make it well-suited for accommodating the expansion and contraction that occurs during battery charging. PolyJoule’s innovative systems eliminate the need for active temperature control, enhancing safety and reliability. The company’s ultimate goal is to achieve a storage cost of $65 per kWh, making sustainable energy storage accessible to a broader audience.

Urban Electric Power (UEP) is poised to make a substantial impact with its rechargeable zinc alkaline battery technology. UEP’s pioneering approach has earned them a grant of $703,965 to install a 100 kW, 1 MW/h BESS. Engineered for long-duration energy storage applications ranging from 10 to 24 hours, this system promises to seamlessly manage electricity usage peaks at commercial and industrial facilities. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has endorsed this initiative, recognizing its potential to transform the energy landscape.

These remarkable achievements are made possible by the Renewable Optimization and Energy Storage Innovation Program, spearheaded by NYSERDA. This program, fueled by the state’s ten-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund, channels resources into initiatives that drive sustainable progress. In a remarkable testament to the state’s commitment, an additional $8.15 million has been allocated to support future long-duration energy storage solutions and other complementary technologies that have yet to be fully realized.

NYSERDA’s call to action resonates with innovators across the globe. Project submissions are encouraged to pioneer advancements in hydrogen, electric, chemical, mechanical, or thermal-electric storage technologies, with a specific focus on addressing the challenges of renewable integration. These challenges encompass grid congestion, hosting capacity limitations, and optimal siting within the dynamic landscape of New York. If you’re eager to contribute to this transformative movement, the submission deadline is set for October 17th, 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). For a comprehensive overview and further details, please visit the official NYSERDA website.

The road to a sustainable, resilient, and carbon-neutral future begins with each innovative step forward. Join New York State in shaping a brighter tomorrow, where clean energy and cutting-edge storage solutions light the path toward a cleaner, more prosperous world.