October 17, 2004—Governor George E. Pataki recently announced $1.2 million in awards for seven projects that will develop a broad range of renewable energy technologies in New York State. The Governor made the announcement during his keynote address at the 9th Annual National Green Power Marketing Conference being held in Albany, where he highlighted New York’s leadership in developing a strong renewable energy industry.
“New York State continues to lead the nation in promoting the development and use of clean, renewable energy technologies,” Governor Pataki said. “By investing in renewable energy we are helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create new jobs and industries here at home, and clean up our environment for the benefit of future generations. These projects will help us achieve our ambitious goal of requiring 25 percent of the electricity sold in New York be generated from renewable energy sources by 2013.
Under Governor Pataki’s leadership, the Public Service Commission (PSC) recently voted to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that will require 25 percent of the electricity purchased in the State to be from renewable resources by the end of 2013. The RPS is forecast to reduce statewide air emissions while improving the environment and increasing economic development activity from the State’s growing renewable energy industry.
The projects are being funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through its Renewable Resource Development Program. The Program is designed to support activities throughout the State that will lead to the development of an inventory of sites, fuel supplies, and technologies that facilitate an increase in renewable generating resources. The Governor also announced that approximately $2.7 million will be made available through the Program in a second round of project funding in January 2005.
The projects selected for funding can be expected to directly or indirectly support the development of renewable energy production facilities that will sell electricity into the State’s wholesale electric market.
Eligible projects can include the growing and harvesting of renewable fuels for the generation of power or the development, demonstration, or improvement of production technologies involving the use of renewable fuels. Preference is given to projects that are likely to result in significant environmental and economic benefits to New York State; can demonstrate the ability to begin producing power within a specific time frame; display an effective strategy to finance and develop the renewable energy production facility; are likely to result in renewable power generation in the State; can enhance the State’s energy security; and can be replicated across New York State.
