New York Offers up to $6.3M for New Energy Storage Technologies that Boost Renewables

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is offering up to $6.3 million to commercialize emerging energy storage technologies that support renewable power in the state.

NYSERDA is starting the two-step solicitation (PON 3585) process by seeking concept papers through July 20. The authority wants papers that look at advancing, developing and field testing energy storage technologies to address cost, performance and integration.

The papers also should identify how the technology will advance the state’s goal to have 50 percent of its electricity come from renewables by 2030.

NYSERDA will select the best concept papers and ask for follow-up proposals. From there, the authority will select the proposals that will receive funding.

The funding is part of the state’s long-term investment in energy storage, a technology that is frequently included in microgrids.

The program fits in with NYSERDA’s goals to:

• Reduce the costs of energy storage hardware, including balance-of-system hardware
• Improve efficiency, energy and power density, and thermal stability for applications such as demand response, electric vehicle charging, and balancing clean energy sources like solar and wind
• Assess new technologies that store, reuse, and support renewable energy, reduce peak load, and provide ancillary services

“New York continues to lead the nation in finding innovative technologies to build a resilient and efficient electric grid,” said Janet Joseph, acting president and CEO of NYSERDA. “Energy storage will play a critical role in Governor Cuomo’s fight against climate change as we continue to add renewable energy resources throughout the state, making our power cleaner.”

NYSERDA expects to commit up to $1,825,000 of the $6.3 million by Dec. 31. Information about the solicitation is available on NYSERDA’s website.

Earlier this year, NYSERDA announced $15.5 million in funding for energy storage that supports renewable energy and is already commercially viable.

A state report shows jobs in the energy storage sector growing 30 percent from 2012 through 2015, with annual industry revenues in the state reaching an estimated $906 million during that period, a 50 percent rise.

Track news about funding for energy storage technologies. Following Microgrid Knowledge on Twitter @MicrogridNews.