NY State to award $30M to integrate renewable energy into grid

New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday a plan to fund up to $30 million for projects to better integrate renewable energy resources onto the state’s electric grid.

Project proposals should improve overall grid performance, reduce energy costs and support the state’s clean energy goals. The state has a goal of 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and have a carbon-free power grid by 2040.

“A critical component of the fight against climate change is making smart and efficient investments onto our electric grid,” Cuomo said. “Modernizing New York’s grid will create long-lasting benefits for all New Yorkers through a more reliable and affordable system, while increasing resilience for extreme weather events and adding more renewable energy sources into our system.”

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is administering the program through its High Performing Grid initiative. Through a two-step competitive process, applicants will submit concept papers and the best of that group will be invited to submit full proposals for further evaluation. Awards will then be made from those evaluations.

“New York is leading the nation in addressing the impact of climate change by supporting green technology and upgrades to our energy infrastructure,” Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “By investing in the future of our electric grid, we are creating jobs and advancing our clean energy goals as part of the Green New Deal.”

Concept papers will be accepted through Nov. 18, 2020, or until funds are exhausted. The request for proposals will have one of five categories: technology feasibility studies, research studies, engineering studies, product development, and demonstration projects.

“New York’s clean energy future requires a modernized electric grid that is capable of delivering Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading vision for a 100 percent carbon-free electricity system by 2040. This NYSERDA funding will support the deployment of innovative public-private partnerships to develop, pilot and test the smart grid technologies and solutions that will accelerate our pace to a fully decarbonized electricity system,” Alicia Barton, president and CEO of NYSERDA, said.

NYSERDA has awarded approximately $17 million through 34 contracts since 2016.