By Blake Jackson
New York State has announced the seventh round of the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Carbon Challenge, offering $10 million in funding to large energy users looking to reduce their carbon footprint. This initiative is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Round XV and is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
The challenge supports electrification and emissions reduction projects in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, education, and commercial real estate. It encourages innovative energy solutions that reduce costs and promote sustainability.
Eligible projects include energy efficiency upgrades, clean energy adoption, low-carbon fuels, carbon capture, and renewable energy systems. Applicants must show that their project will cut at least 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mtCO2e) over the project’s lifetime.
Funding awards range from $500,000 to $5 million. Applicants are scored based on their implementation plans, commitment to sustainability, impact on disadvantaged communities, and regional alignment with local economic strategies.
NYSERDA President Doreen M. Harris emphasized the challenge’s role in modernizing New York’s infrastructure and building a cleaner energy economy. Since its start, the C&I Carbon Challenge has funded 23 projects that have reduced 4.5 million mtCO2e, equal to removing 1 million cars from the road for a year.
The challenge helps New York meet its climate goals, including an emissions-free economy by 2050. Large businesses gain the flexibility to use in-house expertise to lower energy costs and reduce emissions.
Funding is made possible through New York’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund. The application deadline is July 31, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: New York, Energy