The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has announced awards to seven New York-based companies to scale-up or demonstrate innovative new approaches to energy storage, an essential component of Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) comprehensive energy strategy.
The companies – members of the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium – will work on "bench-to-prototype" technologies to move clean-technology energy storage devices from the lab to the marketplace. REV is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s comprehensive energy strategy to build a next-generation energy system that is clean, resilient and affordable for all New Yorkers.
Technologies include advanced batteries; ultracapacitors, which store and discharge energy quickly; fuel cells; and control modules, which help reduce energy consumption. These technologies can reduce the need for fossil fuels in transportation, create a more efficient energy grid and make greater use of renewable energy sources.
"The companies receiving these awards will help create innovative energy storage technology to serve vehicle, building and grid power needs," said John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, NYSERDA. "Under Governor Cuomo's REV strategy, New York State is transforming the way electricity is distributed and used by consumers, and energy storage will factor significantly into development of a resilient, affordable, clean energy system."
Energy storage serves a vital role in a variety of power applications. It improves grid performance by enabling utilities to smooth out routine energy fluctuations, improving energy efficiency at power plants and reducing the risk of grid outages at times of high demand. Storage also provides opportunities to take greater advantage of renewable energy resources, such as solar or wind, at customer sites, storing clean energy when it is not needed for future use when demand is higher. In transportation, it serves an important role in providing instant energy for hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as electronic devices.
"NY-BEST is grateful for the strong support that New York State continues to demonstrate toward the energy storage industry," said William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST. "From the state’s support of energy storage R&D and prototyping and commercialization resources, to its recognition of storage’s role in transforming the electric grid, it’s clear that New York State is a great place for the energy storage industry. We congratulate these innovative companies on their successful awards from NYSERDA and look forward to supporting their continued success.”
Support is being provided for the following projects:
New York City
Chemistry to increase battery life and decrease costs – Urban Electric Power (New York City) has developed a zinc-manganese-dioxide battery chemistry to reduce the total cost of electrical energy storage in grid-based applications.
Long Island
Anti-idling battery to reduce the need for ambulances to run engines continuously – Bren-Tronics (Commack) is a prime supplier of rechargeable and high energy lithium batteries to the U.S. military. It is developing an anti-idling battery that reduces fuel costs, noise and emissions.
Multi-chemistry battery-charger and low-voltage power supply used in transportation applications – Applied Power Systems (Hicksville) seeks to improve the functionality and efficiency of its technology for transportation applications, including commuter rail lines. The company is expanding its product capabilities to include new battery technologies.
Hudson Valley
Storage for solar energy – Varta Microbattery (Rye) is developing an energy storage solution for solar installations that will provide backup power while minimizing the need for additional components. The project includes development of an "island interconnection device" that allows a microgrid at a customer site or in a community to easily connect or disconnect from the main electric grid.
Capital Region
Nanomaterial battery component manufacturing – Enermat Technologies (Clifton Park) founded by graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, seeks to commercialize graphene-based electrodes for advanced lithium-ion batteries by developing a scalable manufacturing strategy to produce this nanomaterial, which can store more energy than existing materials.
Finger Lakes
Fuel cell assembly technology – American Fuel Cell (Rochester) is demonstrating the scale-up of its new fuel cell technology for multiple stationary and mobility applications, offering reduced manufacturing costs from existing technology. The company participated in NYSERDA's Rochester-based proof-of-concept center, NEXUS-NY, which helps early-stage researchers turn lab successes into commercial products.
Statewide
Power converter to store more energy in a smaller space - Working with Applied Power Systems, PowerHub Systems is developing a silicone-carbide-based power converter for energy storage systems that are expected to take up less space and store more power than comparable technologies.
Under Governor Cuomo’s initiative for Reforming the Energy Vision, New York State will spur clean energy innovation, bring in new investments, improve consumer choice while protecting the environment and energizing New York’s economy. This pioneering approach provides New Yorkers new opportunities for energy savings, local power generation, and enhanced reliability. To achieve the State’s economic development and environmental objectives, Reforming the Energy Vision encompasses statewide initiatives such as the Clean Energy Fund and $1 billion NY Green Bank to overcome market barriers and attract private capital. By empowering communities and creating jobs through programs like Community Solar NY and K-Solar for schools, the $40 million NY-Prize competition for community microgrids and the $1 billion NY-Sun Initiative, New York is leveraging statewide resources to integrate local energy resources and meet the needs of New York communities.
