New York offers $5 million for long-duration storage projects

More than $5 million is now up for grabs for LDES projects with 10 to over 100 hours of storage duration in the State of New York to facilitate renewable energy integration.

The funding, made available through NYSERDA’s Renewable Optimization and Energy Storage Innovation Program, will back the development and demonstration of scalable LDES projects in a bid to support the State’s goal to install 3 GW of energy storage by 2030 while facilitating further development to 6 GW.

Zero-emission electricity sector by 2040

Under its Climate Act, New York is aiming to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century.

“As we continue to build a clean energy future, we are making investments that will keep New York on the cutting edge of the latest energy storage technologies,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This funding will spur innovation, ultimately helping to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and make progress towards our clean energy goals.”

The funding is being made available through “a competitive solicitation for projects that will support innovative and under-utilized LDES solutions, devices, software, controls, and other complementary technologies which are yet to be commercialized,” the announcement reads.

Proposals will be accepted through 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 24, 2024. More information about this solicitation is available on NYSERDA’S website.

“Investing in long duration energy storage solutions can help replace fossil fuel peaker plants while incentivizing clean energy development that will tangibly improve air quality and mitigate the future impacts of climate change for traditionally overburdened communities,” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said.

The latest announcement builds on the more than $30 million awarded in 2022 and 2023 by NYSERDA to nine projects through the first two rounds of the program.

Advancing a variety of technologies

These projects are advancing a variety of technologies including hydrogen, zinc hybrid and iron-air battery technologies, nuclear-hydrogen long duration energy storage, and a hydroelectric storage system that integrates directly with offshore wind development in support of grid resiliency and reduced reliance on fossil fuel plants.

Awards from the third round are expected to be announced later this summer.

NYSERDA’s Renewable Optimization and Energy Storage Innovation Program is funded through the State’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund.