New York Public Utility Funds Virtual Reality Initiative to Train Microgrid and Energy Storage System Electricians
The New York Power Authority (NPYA) Board of Trustees approved $400,000 in funding for the Energy Storage and Microgrid Training and Certification (ESAMTAC) program late last month.
The ESAMTAC program was created in 2017 to train electrical contractors and others in the safe installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance, repair, retrofitting and decommissioning of energy storage and microgrid systems. It is a non-profit initiative led by Penn State University and supported by multiple industry associations.
The latest round of NYPA funding will support the development and integration of a virtual reality (VR) component into the program’s traditional lecture videos and learning materials. ESAMTAC was awarded $75,000 in 2023 to fund its pilot VR training tool.
“The complexities of energy storage and microgrid systems necessitate unique, innovative solutions and comprehensive training methods,” said Justin E. Driscoll, NYPA president and CEO. “With this ESAMTAC program, we are preparing our workforce for the energy jobs of the future.”
ESAMTAC training is free for disadvantaged communities
The ESAMTAC microgrid and energy storage training program is free for residents of disadvantaged communities in New York. It will be available at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) training centers in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Elmira, Geneva, Harriman, Hauppauge, Ithaca, Jamestown, New York City, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Syracuse and Watertown.
“This funding will allow us to expand our capacity and capabilities, while also helping to eliminate barriers for individuals in disadvantaged communities, ensuring that New York has a highly qualified, professional electrical workforce prepared for the future,” said Dennis Affinati, vice president of the IBEW Third District.
Job training must keep pace with technology
The NYPA has long expressed interest in microgrids and energy storage technologies, as well as developing a workforce capable of maintaining these systems. Legislation enacted with the 2023-2024 New York State Budget gave NYPA the authority to invest up to $25 million annually in renewable energy sector worker-training programs.
It has invested $21 million in clean energy job training since May.
The utility was the project lead on a microgrid at the State University of New York (SUNY) New Paltz. The $1.37 million project, unveiled in 2018, provides power to the campus’ gymnasium during grid outages. The system includes 217 kW of solar, a hybrid power converter and a battery storage system.
NYPA currently owns and operates one utility-scale battery energy storage system and has plans to develop systems at its Harlem River and Gowanus power plants, according to its 2025 renewables strategic plan.
The utility is also researching long-duration energy storage (LDES). LDES technologies are capable of storing electricity for more than 10 hours, compared to utility-scale lithium-ion batteries that store between 1.7 hours and 4 hours of electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
“As we advance our clean energy expansion, we must continue to ensure that New Yorkers receive the skills to support this sector and thrive in the jobs of tomorrow,” said Roberta Reardon, commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor. “This funding powers essential workforce development programs that will open doors to good-paying clean energy careers for all New Yorkers, especially those from underserved communities.”
