By Blake Jackson
New York State has announced a significant funding opportunity exceeding $5 million for projects focusing on long duration energy storage (LDES) through the Renewable Optimization and Energy Storage Innovation Program.
This initiative aims to propel the development and demonstration of scalable LDES solutions, crucial for leveraging stored renewable energy within the state's electric grid.
The funding aligns with New York's ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to install up to 6,000 megawatts of energy storage capacity by 2030, a key step in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting harmful emissions.
Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the funding will support competitive projects targeting innovative, under-utilized LDES technologies yet to be commercialized.
These solutions, ranging from 10 to over 100 hours in duration at rated power, will address challenges like grid congestion and lithium-ion siting limitations, particularly in urban areas such as New York City.
Projects selected under this program will advance technologies encompassing electrical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal-to-electric storage solutions.
The aim is to bolster grid resiliency, mitigate climate impacts, and enhance air quality by replacing fossil fuel peaker plants, which disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.
This announcement builds upon previous investments totaling over $30 million in advancing various energy storage technologies, including hydrogen and zinc hybrid batteries, as well as hydroelectric systems integrated with offshore wind developments.
NYSERDA's broader Innovation Program, deploying $800 million over a decade, underscores New York's commitment to fostering a clean energy economy and achieving economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century.
Aligned with the State's Clean Energy Fund, this initiative supports New York's comprehensive climate agenda, targeting significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and promoting equitable access to clean energy investments.
More information on proposal submissions and program details can be found on NYSERDA's official website.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: New York, Energy