New York seeking proposals for clean energy solutions for public transportation

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recently announced up to $5 million for proposals to improve operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for public transit systems throughout the state.

Proposals must achieve energy savings through reducing traction power energy use; increasing the efficiency of transit buses; or developing new hardware and software technologies that improve transit agency operations and ridership.

The funding will be awarded through a two-part competitive process. First, applicants must submit concept papers before Aug. 7. Concept papers must be for technical feasibility studies, new product development or demonstration of technologies and business models. All projects should be economically viable, replicable and relevant to transit agencies in New York State.

NYSERDA will then select several applicants to submit follow-up proposals.

Funding is available through New York’s 10-year, $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund. In total, $18.5 million will be available in multiple rounds of funding through 2022.

“This funding is part of Governor Cuomo’s comprehensive clean transportation strategy, which is driving transformation throughout the transportation sector to reduce emissions and make it easier than ever to ride clean and electric,” Alicia Barton, president and CEO of NYSERDA, said. “These projects are a critical component for advancing solutions to some of our most pressing transportation efficiency and operations challenges while improving ridership experiences for New Yorkers.”