The Long Island Solar Farm Project is on line!

The Department of Energy has "flipped the switch" on the Long Island Solar Farm Project(LISF) at the Brookhaven National Laboratory.  Composed of 164,312 solar photovoltaic panels, the 32-megawatt Solar Farm is the largest solar project in the Eastern United States and is one of the largest to ever be built on federal property.  The Solar Farm is expected to produce sufficient energy to power 4,500 Long Island homes.

In addition to providing Long Islanders with clean, renewable energy, the Long Island Solar Farm will give scientists insight on the challenges associated with deploying large-scale solar in the northeast.

The Long Island Solar Farm is a collaborative project between the Long Island Power Authority and BP Solar International, Inc.

For more information visit http://energy.gov/articles/national-lab-flips-switch-east-coasts-largest-solar-array.

Clarkson announces plan to establish a research facility for the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries

Clarkson University has announced plans to convert the University's Old Main building into a state of the art research facility for the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries. With $1 million in funding from IBM, the research facility will collect and analyze water quality data from a series of sensors in the Hudson, Mohawk and St. Lawrence Rivers. The facility will allow for real-time water quality data for the rivers and will facilitate more effective management of the critical resource.

The announcement comes only a month after Clarkson University and the Beacon Institute formed a strategic alliance to position New York State as a leader in research and education for water innovation.

For more information visit http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20111206/NEWS05/712069894.

Cornell University recognized for efforts taken in Energy Efficiency

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded Cornell University the High Performance Building Plaque for the adaptive reuse and renovation of Riley Hall.  Riley Hall's east wing, once home to a vintage large equipment lab was recently adapted to a suite of wet labs for state-of-the-art cellulosic biomass biofuels research and development. With $111,865 in NYSERDA funding, Cornell University incorporated HVAC controls, heat recovery and light controls into the new labs.  The renovations are expected to save 536,973 kilowatt hours of electricity, approximately the same amount of energy used annually by 73 single-family homes.

Riley Hall's renovation were funded by NYSERDA's New Construction Program, which provides assistance to incorporate energy efficiency and sustainable building practices into the design, construction and operation of new/renovated buildings.  In addition, the program assists those pursuing LEED certification for energy efficiency.

For more information visit http://www.wbng.com/news/around-the-tiers/Cornell-University-Receives-High-Performance-Energy-Efficiency-Award-134244048.html.

Federally funded solar feasibility study to be conducted at TechCity

The former Kingston, New York headquarters of IBM, TechCity, has been selected by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to participate in a federal study to determine the feasibility of large scale solar energy production at the site. The study is part of a national program that seeks to generate wind and solar energy at former industrial contamination sites.

In order to determine the feasibility of solar PV at TechCity, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory will install rooftop solar photovoltaic panels throughout the 256-acre complex. Ulster County's deputy director for economic development, March Gallagher believes the campus can house enough solar panels to generate more than 4 megawatts of electricity, roughly enough to power 4,000 homes.

TechCity is one of three New York State locations selected to participate in the study. The other locations are the former Bethlehem steel plant in Lackawanna and a large industrial wasteland in South Buffalo.

To learn more about the study visit http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111118/NEWS/111119739/-1/rss01.

GE exceeds the EPA's year-end production goal for PCB dredging

At the close of the second season of dredging the Hudson River for PCBs, General Electric Co. has exceeded it's year-end production goal set by the Environmental Protection Agency.  Reporting the removal of more than 363,000 cubic yards of sediment, General Electric has exceeded the Superfund project's year-end goal of 350,000 cubic yards.

After an unintentional kick up of PCBs during the first year of excavation, General Electric Co. has designed/executed an alternate method of dredging, re-suspension, which appears to have worked effectively.

For more information visit http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/GE-surpasses-Hudson-PCB-dredging-target-for-year-2275001.php.

Albany school district revieces $450,000 for environmental improvements

The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District in Albany, New York has received $450,000 in funding to increase the environmental/educational performance of its schools.  Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Department of Environmental Conservation, the program will increase energy efficiency and environmental conditions while reducing operating costs for the District.  The funding comes from a multi-state settlement with the cement manufacturing company, Lafarge North America.  The company violated the federal clean air act by emitting sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide at its 13 plants in the USA including its facility in Ravena, New York.

The school improvements are expected to go far beyond energy savings. Studies have shown a dramatic correlation between classroom environmental conditions (lighting, heating, ventilation, indoor environmental quality) and academic performance.

For more information visit http://www.empirestatenews.net/News/20111118-3.html.

Governor Cuomo announces new commercial electric vehicle incentive

New York State Governor, Andrew Cuomo has announced the development of a multi-year commercial electric vehicle incentive program that will provide businesses with funding to build and/or convert their fleet to electric.  The program, which will be managed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, will run for five years and provide companies with up to $20,000 for every electric vehicle purchased weighing over 10,000 lbs.  The New York State Department of Transportation has committed $10 million in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funding for the programs first year.

The program will greatly benefit Smith Electric Vehicles Corporation, the U.K. headquartered commercial electric vehicle company which has recently announced the opening of a new manufacturing plant in New York City.  The plant will be located in the South Bronx and is expected to generate 100 jobs in the borough.

For more information visit http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/23163.

ReEnergy Holdings LLC to acquire 5 biomass plants in New York and Maine

ReEnergy Holdings LLC, an Albany, New York based company that specializes in converting biomass to energy is in the process of acquiring five plants from Boralex Inc. for $93 million.  The biomass energy-production plants are located in Chateaugay, New York; Fort Fairfield, Maine; Ashland, Maine; Livermore Falls, Maine; and Stratton, Maine.

Pending on due diligence and regulatory approval, the deal is expected to close by the end of the year. The five plants will employ 240 people and generate 240 megawatts of electricity. 

For more information visit http://blog.timesunion.com/business/albany-company-acquiring-biomass-energy-plants-in-new-york-maine/52018/.

The Customer-Sited Wind Turbine Incentive Program

The New York State Energy Research Authority (NYSERDA) has released a PON for the Customer-Sited Wind Turbine Incentive Program. The program, which has a total of $4.6 million, provides eligible installers with as much as 50% of the total installed cost or $400,000 to install new, grid-connected wind energy systems. To qualify, wind energy systems must meet NYSERDA's eligibility requirements and be less than 600 kW.

The program requires installers to pass on the incentive, in it's entirety to their customers; stimulating business growth while making wind energy systems more economically feasible.


Applications are due December 31st, 2011 by 5pm.

To view the PON in its entirety, visit http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Funding-Opportunities/Current-Funding-Opportunities/PON-2097-Customer-Sited-Wind-Turbine-Incentive-Program.aspx.

Governor Cuomo nomitates Gil Quiniones for NYPA's presidency

Governor Andrew Cuomo has nominated Gil Quiniones to be the new president of the New York Power Authority (NYPA). Gil Quiniones, NYPA's current chief operating officer has been standing in as NYPA's president since Richard Kessel resigned earlier this year.

In addition to serving as NYPA's Chief Operating Officer, Gil Quiniones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Electric Power Research Institute, serves on the steering committee of the Large Public Power Council and is NYPA's primary representative to the American Public Power Association.

For more information visit http://www.lohud.com/article/20111101/NEWS05/111010304/Cuomo-taps-NYPA-s-Quiniones-authority-s-new-leader.

NYSEIA partners with SEIA to grow New York's solar industry

The New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) has partnered with the national Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) to promote the growth of New York State's solar energy market.  According to the Solar Foundation's 2011 Solar Jobs Census, New York State ranks 5th in the nation for it's number of solar industry jobs.  New York's solar value chain is composed of 263 companies, employing 4,200 within the state.

With growing energy costs and population, New York State is posed to be a national leader in the solar industry.  The new partnership will help make this a reality by working to pass key solar legislation, including the Solar Jobs Bill.

For more information on the partnership visit http://nyseia.org/posts/nyseia-and-national-association-partner-to-grow-ny-solar-market-81.php?g=0.

The Paper Battery Co. reveives $1 million in NYSERDA funding

The New York Energy Research and Development Authority has awarded The Paper Battery Company $1 million in funding, which will be matched by the company and its investors to commercialize it's PowerPatch line of paper-thin ultracapacitors by 2013.

The Paper Battery Company's product line of ultracapacitors are patternable devices that are scalable in voltage, energy and power. The devices use a cellulose based material to contain and separate their components. Such composition allows for the PowerPatch Products to be paper-thin and flexible, making them an ideal power source for a myriad of clean energy applications. In thin-film solar panels they can be applied to provide power while retaining elasticity; and can easily provide quick acceleration/ regenerative braking power in hybrid electric vehicles.

The Paper Battery Company is located at the Russel Sage College INVEST business incubator in Troy, New York and is one of the Clean Tech Centers portfolio companies.

For more information on the Paper Battery Company visit http://www.paperbatteryco.com/.

New West Technologies recieves NYSERDA funding to demonstrate electric-powered refridgerator trucks

New West Technologies, a national engineering and management consulting firm with a branch in Utica, New York has received $300,000 in funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to demonstrate the cost and environmental benefits of investing in infrastructure to support electric powered refrigerator trucks. 

New West Technologies will work with Hannaford Supermarkets to identify and install plug-in connectors in locations that will reap the greatest economic benefit from such infrastructure.  With a fleet of 50 trailers, Hannaford has committed 15 electric standby plug-in trailers for the project.

NYSERDA's objective for the the project is to facilitate a network where refrigerator trucks can load and unload using only electricity.

For more information visit http://www.cnybj.com/Channels/Technology/tabid/73/itemid/15425/sourcemid/417/Utica-company-lands-project-to-promote-electric-powered-refrigerator-trucks/Default.aspx?returnUrl=%2FChannels%2FTechnology.aspx.

The NanoCollege purchases solar manufacturing research facility in Halfmoon

The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at the University of Albany has purchased Veeco Instruments's former solar manufacturing research facility in Halfmoon, New York. The NanoCollege will use the facility for the R&D of thin-film solar cell prototypes. The NanoCollege's acquisition of the facility has saved 17 Veeco employees from being laid-off after the facilities closure.

The solar manufacturing research facility will be instrumental in moving the U.S. Photovoltaic Consortium a step closer to its mission of increasing the United States share in the global solar industry.  The U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium is a federally funded partnership between The College of Nanoscale Science an Engineering, SEMATECH and The University of Central Florida.

For more information visit http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/NanoCollege-makes-deal-for-Veeco-2234490.php.

The GE Wind Technology Lab Opens at HVCC

The Hudson Valley Community College's TEC-SMART (Training and Education Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing and Alternative and Renewable Technologies) campus in Malta, New York has opened the General Electric Wind Technology Lab.

Established by GE Energy Renewables Wind Field Operations, the GE Wind Technology Lab features two miniature GE wind turbines, and provides students with an opportunity to obtain hands-on wind technician training. Although the lab is primarily used by Hudson Valley Community College students enrolled in the Wind Technician Certificate Program, High School students from the area have the opportunity to take classes at the Lab.

With advances in wind technology, and ever-increasing popularity of the energy source the demand for wind technicians is steadily growing. Wind technician jobs are estimated to increase by 100,000 over the next decade and the GE Wind Technology Lab provides students the training necessary to be successful.

For more information visit http://troyrecord.com/articles/2011/10/19/news/doc4e9e6b78f22b5672867755.txt?viewmode=default.

The New York State Public Service Commission provides $469 Million for advances in energy technology

The New York State Public Service Commission has approved a 5-year program that will provide the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with $469 million to implement a suite of energy related technology and market development programs. With an annual budget of $93.8 million over the next 5 years, the funding will allow NYSERDA to accelerate energy innovation, promote the clean energy economy and incorporate more rigorous energy-use standards in codes and industry best practices.

The suite will focus on eight initiatives grouped within three categories: power supply and delivery, building systems and clean energy infrastructure. NYSERDA will give highest priority to initiatives with the potential to reduce energy use/demand, increase reliability and safety, moderate wholesale prices, mitigate delivery cost increases, or diversify energy resources.

For more information visit http://readme.readmedia.com/NYSERDA-5-Year-Plan-Approved/3054672.

SyracuseCoE and CenterState CEO Announce Next Round of CAP Grants

The Syracuse CoE and CenterState CEO have announced the next round of solicitations for Commercialization Assistance Program (CAP) grants. The grants will be awarded to projects that commercialize new products and services in the fields of indoor environmental quality, water resources, and clean and renewable energy. Up to $50,000 is available for individual projects, with approximately four expected recipients in this round. To qualify for CAP funding, a proposing company must provide matching funds of at least 1 to 1 for every dollar requested. Matching funds can include cash or in-kind services.

The deadline for submission of proposals for this round is November 11, 2011. Projects should start January 1, 2012 and be complete on or before Sept. 30, 2012. Program guidelines and funding applications will be available on the SyracuseCoE website: www.syracusecoe.org The CAP is funded with grants.

To date, the CAP program has awarded more than $1 million to 21 upstate companies for projects that have commercialized new clean tech products and services, and created or retained more than 152 green jobs in New York State. Regional companies that have benefited from CAP grants include: OrthoSystems, Air Innovations, NuClimate Air Quality Systems, O'Brien & Gere, Taitem Engineering, Galson Laboratories, Rupprecht & Patashnick, Double A Willow, Isolation Sciences, VentoTek, Widetronix Semiconductors, e2e Materials, and Orthogonal.

For more the full release visit Next Round of CAP Grants

For a complete CAP application package, visit Syracuse CoE

For more information and to review previous CAP awards view the CAP program

Syrcacuse COE's 11th annual Symposium on Environment & Energy Systems

The Syracuse Center of Excellence is holding it's 11th annual Symposium on Environment & Energy Systems on September 22nd-23rd at the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse, New York.  The theme of this years symposium is "Unleashing the Clean Economy: Regional Innovation for Sustainable Communities" and will focus on community-based innovations, as well as resource, energy and advanced building innovations.

Keynote presentations will be given by John Cronin, Director and CEO of the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, Eric Keune of AIA, Skidmore and Owings & Merril, and Amy Liu, Co-director and Senior Fellow, Metropolitan Policy Program at The Brookings Institution.

For more information, including registration visit http://www.syracusecoe.org/coe/sub1.html?skuvar=171.

The New York State Green Building Conference seeks presentation proposals

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and the U.S. Green Building Council New York Upstate Chapter are seeking presentation proposals for the 10th annual New York State Green Building Conference, which will be held on March 29-30, 2012 at the Oncenter in Syracuse, New York. Presentations should be 50 minutes or less and be applicable to one of the four conference tracks, green building for commercial construction, green building for residential construction, green chemistry for the built environment, and deconstruction.

The deadline for presentation abstracts is October 21, 2011.

For more information, including access to the abstract submission form visit www.nysgreenbuilding.org.

NYSERDA releases PON for the installation/demonstration of CHP Systems

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has released a program opportunity notice for the installation and demonstration of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems at facilities in New York State. Combined Heat and Power Systems utilize thermal energy lost in electricity generation for heating applications.

The program provides installers with 30% to 50% of the total associated costs, with a maximum of $1,000,000 per project. The program has a total of $5,500,000 available.

Proposals are due by October 4.

For the full PON visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2373pon.asp.

Madison County gains national attention for efforts taken in sustainability

Central New York's Madison County has gained national recognition for being the first municipality to employ solar panels on a capped landfill cell. Traditionally unused space, the county saw an acre of southern-sloping, freshly capped landfill as an ideal opportunity to harvest energy.

The solar array is not the first sustainability effort taken by the Madison County Landfill; for more than a year, methane gas has been harvested from capped cells. With an estimated 40,000 kWhs of power coming from the solar array, the landfill's recycling center will be completely energy self-sufficient. NYSERDA provided Madison County with $380,000 for the project, offsetting the total cost to $470,000.

The only two similar projects in the nation are located on privately owned landfills in Georgia and Texas. Having a much colder climate, Madison County's landfill will serve as an experiment for the installer, Carlisle Energy Services.

For more information visit http://oneidadispatch.com/articles/2011/08/30/news/doc4e5d7dfb4016d952505652.txt?view mode=default.

Guidelines established for smart grid development

The New York State Public Service Commission has demonstrated the desire to increase the electrical grid's efficiency by adopting a policy statement establishing regulatory policies and guidelines to develop New York's smart grid electric system. With input from New York State's electric utilities, technology companies, hardware and software vendors, consumer representatives, not-for-profit organizations and governmental governmental entities, the guidelines are a comprehensive approach to meeting New York's energy policy goals.

The guidelines state that utilities are to pursue established and reliable technologies that can provide a certain return on investment; smart grid technologies will utilize both public and private networks; utilities must provide customers with basic information about smart grid technology and a customer education plan; smart grid projects, rate recovery will be addressed through traditional means; utilities can start to develop smart grid plans/projects with existing industry standards; utilities must develop and maintain cyber security standards; and utilities/third-party providers must protect customer privacy.

For more information visit http://www.smartmeters.com/the-news/smart-grid-news/2541-new-york-adopts-smart-grid-policy.html.

National Grid provides Upstate Cancer Center with $6.24 million in upgrades

National Grid has provided SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse with $6.24 million in electrical upgrades critical for the creation of the Upstate Cancer Center. The Upstate Cancer Center is one of the few hospitals in the nation to be accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer and offers the most comprehensive cancer treatments in Central New York.

The most critical electrical upgrades include underground electrical cables, power feeds and conduit. Not only will the upgrades provide the Cancer Center with adequate power, the project will help spur University Hill development by providing the area with more power.

For more information visit http://whatsupatupstate.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/electrical-upgrades-by-national-grid-help-upstate-cancer-center-rest-of-university-hill/.

Didier Lacroix appointed as MicroGen's strategic adviser

MicroGen Systems, Inc. has signed Didier Lacroix as the company's strategic adviser. As a veteran of the Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) industry, Didier Lacroix has extensive knowledge, insight and contacts that will be critical to the success of MicroGen's MEMs-based Piezoelectric Vibrational Energy Harvester (PZEH) product line, BOLT. Harvesting vibrational energies from 50-120 Hz, the BOLT line are designed to power low-power electronic devices, such as sensor nodes for wireless sensor network applications.

Along with the tangible benefits that Didier Lacroix will bring to the company, his signing on with MicroGen is a complement to the company and a huge endorsement for it's technology.

MicroGen Systems, Inc. is one our portfolio companies.

For more information on Didier Lacroix's appointment visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/8/prweb8685609.htm.

National Grid announces that it has no intention of selling Niagara Mohawk

Steve Holliday, the chief executive of National Grid has announced that it has no intention of selling Niagara Mohawk, the utilities branch that serves upstate New York. The announcement comes after much speculation about the sale of Niagara Mohawk, spawning from a series of newspaper articles in the company's home country, Great Britain.

Although the utility is not planning on selling is Upstate New York subsidiary, National Grid is cutting 1,200 non-union jobs in the United States. With 12,000 of the 18,000 company's American employees working in New York, Niagara Mohawk is bound to take a significant hit. Steve Holliday also mentioned that if an offer was made for more than the company thought it was worth they would consider selling.

Fore more information visit http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/08/national_grid_execs_say_there.html.

CUNY creates groundbreaking solar feasibility map for NYC

With help from the City of New York and the Department of Energy, The City University of New York (CUNY) has created an interactive solar map of the city. Composed of data collected from an airplane equipped with Light Detection and Ranging Laser technology, the map provides information for every rooftop in the city. Maximum kilowatts, money/carbon savings, zoning information and roof size are provided for the site, allowing owners to determine the feasibility of installing solar panels.

The map shows that two thirds of all the rooftops in New York City are suitable for solar power generation, an amount that if full could meet half of the City's electricity needs.

For more information visit http://inhabitat.com/nyc/nyc-solar-map-two-thirds-of-city-rooftops-are-suitable-for-solar-panels/.
To access the map visit http://nycsolarmap.com/.

Upstate New York's biggest rainwater harvest system being built at Binghamton University

Binghamton University is in the process of constructing the largest rainwater harvesting project in Upstate New York. The system is being built in conjunction with the University's Center of Excellence, and will recycle a whopping 200,000 gallons of rainwater. The water will be used for heating and cooling, toilet water and other non-drinking applications.

Set to open early 2013, the Center of Excellence has the potential of saving 1.5 million gallons of municipal water. Designed to be LEED gold, the rainwater harvesting system will be only one of the Center's strategies for efficiency.

For more information visit http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20110726/NEWS01/107260383/Binghamton-U-intends-gain-from-rain.

NYSERDA releases an RFP for research on existing clean technolgies

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has released a Request for Proposals from those interested in analyzing the status and potential of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies within the state. The information will then be used to support program development efforts, aid the preparation of the 2013 State Energy Plan and help NYSERDA evaluate the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency/ renewable energy technologies and programs. Additionally the findings will help State agencies identify energy efficiency and renewable energy resource options.

Proposals are due by 5pm on August 25, 2011.

To view the full RFP visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2326rfp.asp.

AMD, NYSERDA, HP and Clarkson University partner for clean technology progression

AMD, NYSERDA, HP and Clarkson University have aligned to research a solution to the challenge of channeling renewable energy directly to data centers, bypassing the electrical grid. AMD has identified the distributed computing model of their Cloud Computing Technology to parallel the distributed power-generation model of solar and wind energy and has the goal of co-locating such dynamic computing resources with dynamic energy sources to improve the economics, performance and environmental benefits of both.

NYSERDA has provided funding for the project which is composed of two phases, student data-management research at Clarkson University and the incorporation of hardware elements, including HP's Performance Optimized Datacenter, based on the AMD Opteron Processor, which was built for energy efficiency and cloud computing.

For more information visit http://virtualization.sys-con.com/node/1927749.

Governor Cuomo signs the Power NY Act!

Governor Cuomo has signed the Power NY Act of 2011, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that makes the permitting process for new energy plants more efficient/ environmentally conscious, and creates on-bill financing for measures taken in energy efficiency.

The legislation encourages investment in clean power plants, and creates measures in environmental protection and public-health. Such measures include legal funding for communities to participate in the permitting process, the creation of a siting board to calculate environmental impacts to be avoided/minimized by applicants and the promulgation of emission standards by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Also included in the act is an environmental justice provision that prevents low-income areas from bearing unjust levels of air-pollution.

The on-bill financing created by the act is the first of its kind in the nation. By allowing residents to finance energy retrofits on their utility bill, the program has the potential to significantly reduce New York's energy-use, while creating high-quality jobs.

For more information visit http://governor.ny.gov/press/08042011NYLegislation.

NYSERDA provides $2,225,000 for clean energy technology business development!

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has released a PON for the Commercialization Option Program, which helps foster the growth of clean energy technology companies. The program has a total of $2,225,000 to be invested in business plan development, market research, sales forecasting, marketing and sales strategy development, supply chain and strategic partnership development and intellectual property analysis/protection.

NYSERDA will conduct a webinar on August 17th for those interested in participating. The first round of proposals are due September 19th.

To view the PON visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2251pon.asp.

National Grid's Small & Medium Business Direct Install Program on track to exceed year-end goals!

SmartWatt Energy, the sole Program Administrator and Implementation contractor for National Grid's Small & Medium Business Direct Install Program has announced that they have met their mid-year goals.  The program was created to help businesses increase their energy-efficiency, while helping New York meet it's goal of reducing electricity consumption by 15% over the next four years.  It gives eligible Central and Northern New York businesses  the opportunity to receive up to 70% in rebates and on-bill financing for measures taken in energy-efficiency.  Keeping up its current pace, SmartWatt Energy is on track to exceed the programs year-end goal of 60,000 MWH in savings.

Business customers that use an average of 100 Kilowatts or less per month qualify for the Small & Medium Business Direct Install Program.

To participate in the program visit http://www.nationalgridus.com/niagaramohawk/business/energyeff/3_small.asp.

Bloomberg makes a monumental donation to fight coal and empoyer youth!

New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg has made a bold move in the fight against climate change and the protection of public health. Bloomberg has given the Sierra Club $50 million for their Beyond Coal campaign, a donation that has the potential to drastically change our nation's energy future.

Beyond Coal is a grassroots campaign run by our nations youth to prevent the construction of new coal-fired power plants.  Beyond Coal has been instrumental in preventing more than 150 plants from being built.  Bloomberg’s donation has provided the group with a third of their proposed four-year budget and will allow the group to act on their next goal of shutting down a third of our country’s old coal-fired plants over the next ten years.  The donation is expected to create 100 full-time jobs with the campaign and increase the Sierra Club's active member/ supporter base by 1 million.

For more information visit http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/20110727/bloomberg-donates-million-shut-down-coal-plants.htm.

Ioxus opens new manufacturting plant in Oneonta

Ioxus Inc., the only manufacturer of ultracapacitors in the United States has opened a manufacturing plant in Oneonta. Ultracapacitors are similar to a battery in the sense that they store energy but charge in less than a minute and have a ten year life span. With the ability to charge quickly, ultracapacitors are employed to store renewable energy and have been used in hybrid vehicles to increase efficiency. When connected to alkaloid batteries ultra capacitors have been shown to match the performance of the more expensive, earth-taxing lithium-ion batteries.

The production of ultracapacitors is a labor intensive endeavor. The plant has created 30 new jobs in the region and expects to hire an additional 30-40 employees over the next year as production increases. The new plant is expected to increase productivity 5 fold, furthering its edge on foreign competition.

For more information visit http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Only-US-Ultracapacitor-Manufacturer-Opens-New-Oneonta-Facility-125990298.html.

Beacon Power's Flywheel Energy Storage Plant has reached full capacity!

With 200 flywheels spinning, Beacon Power's flywheel energy storage plant in Stephentown, New York has reached full capacity! Storing and returning a total of 20MW to the grid, the plant is the largest of its kind in North America and provides New York with 10% of its overall frequency regulation needs. The plant is a positive step towards meeting NYSERDA's ambitious goal of meeting 45% of the states electricity needs through energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Flywheel energy storage works by converting power from the grid to rotational energy by spinning carbon fiber flywheels at Mach 2 speeds, the energy is then transmitted back to the grid to buffer disturbances without burning fossil fuels.

For more information visit http://investors.beaconpower.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=587705.

Study shows Syracuse to be a national clean economy leader!

The Syracuse Region has been ranked 8th in the nation for having the highest concentration of private-sector clean jobs! The ranking comes from a recent report from the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, titled "Sizing the Clean Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment". As the first comprehensive study of the metropolitan geography of our nation's clean economy, the findings publicize what has already been known in the region.


Syracuse is identified as having unique strengths in the indoor air quality, air/water purification systems, environmental remediation, environmental engineering, and green building materials segments. The study reports that the Syracuse Region has 10,000 jobs in the clean economy sector, 1,400 of which have been added over the past seven years. Such growth is attributed to the regions world-class colleges/universities, the Syracuse Center of Excellence, public support, incentives and CenterState CEO programs.

For more information visit http://www.centerstateceo.com/news/newsarticledisplay.aspx?ArticleID=100.

NYSERDA seeks proposals for sustainable public transportation

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has partnered with the New York State Department of Transportation to provide $1,500,000 for the advancement of livable communities through sustainable transportation. The organizations are seeking proposals to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of New York State's current multi-modal transport system.

Proposals are due September 7th, 2011 by 5pm.

To learn more about the solicitation visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2314pon.asp.

NYSERDA seeks proposals for innovative transportation products, systems and services

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has released a Program Opportunity Notice seeking proposals to support the development, demonstration and commercialization of innovative transportation products, systems and services.  Examples of such topics include, but are not limited to electric vehicles, alternative fuels, regenerative energy systems, engine/drivetrain efficiency improvements, bio-materials, emission control systems, traffic control/ congestion mitigation, and more efficient street lighting.  NYSERDA is rewarding a total of $3,500,000 to proposals touting the most energy, environmental and economic benefits.

Proposals are due September 8th, 2011 at 5pm.

For more information about the solicitation visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2271pon.asp.

Acciona Energy boasts high economic opportunities for the St. Lawrence Wind Farm

Acciona Energy, the developers of the proposed St. Lawrence Wind Farm in Cape Vincent, have released a report outlining the projects vast economic opportunities. The report comes after a Cape Vincent Wind Economic Impact Committee report claiming the project would negatively effect the local school district, tourism and property values. The 76.5 MW project is expected to pay $20 million in lease payments to landowners and $20 million in tax revenues. The project is expected to create 150 temporary jobs in its construction as well as 10 long-term positions.

Acciona Energy's report analyzes the economic benefits of other wind farms within the state and shows a drastic increase in property values as well as an increase household income. In addition to local sourcing of materials, Acciona Energy has promised to invest $143,000 to improve historic sites in Cape Vincent and Lyme, New York.

To learn more about the expected economic benefits of the project visit http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110706/NEWS03/307069973/-1/news.

DEC releases report on hydraulic fracturing

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has released an extensive report to Governor Cuomo outlining rules and regulations to lessen the risks of the controversial natural gas drilling technique, hydraulic fracturing. The 1,000 page report takes measures to avoid the contamination of groundwater commonly associated with the drilling method.

The report prohibits drilling 2,000 feet from public drinking water supplies and 500 feet from private water supplies. As the most profitable Marcellus shale deposits are located in the Catskill Mountains and Southern Tier the DEC has banned drilling in the New York City and Syracuse watersheds. The report also takes measures to regulate drilling practices, included adding another cement wall casing inside the hole and forcing drilling companies to disclose all chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.

Before issuing any permits to drill for natural gas, the Department of Environmental Conservation will open the report for a 60-day public comment period in August.

I invite you to read the report here and participate in the public comment period in the coming months.

DEC creates advisory panel to oversee hyrdaulic fracturing

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has formed an advisory panel to oversee hydraulic fracturing operations in New York. The 12-member panel will ensure that state agencies, including the DEC, are able to oversee, monitor and enforce high-volume hydraulic fracturing activities.  Composed of representatives from environmental and business interests, the panel will also evaluate fees and revenues.

For more information, including a full list of panel members visit http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/ny_creates_12-member_advisory.html.

Governor Cuomo refocuses on closing Indian Point

After victories with the state budget and gay marriage, Governor Cuomo is refocusing his attention on closing the Indian Point Nuclear plant in Buchanan, New York. The plant is located 38 miles north of New York City and sits on top of the Ramapo Fault line and is one mile south of the Stamford-Peekskill fault. The meltdown of Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant after the Tōhoku earthquake has elevated concerns about the health and safety of the 20 million New Yorkers who live within 50 square miles of the plant.

If closed, the state would face the challenge of replacing the 2,000 MW of electricity currently produced at Indian Point. The state sees the proposed 1,000 MW transmission line under the Hudson River from Canada as an opportunity to replace half the energy lost from the plants closure.

Governor Cuomo's initiative to shut down Indian Point will likely be a hard fight as The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have the majority of say regarding the plants operations. The Governor and a record number of concerned New Yorkers have been challenging the NRC in renewing the plants license to operate. If successful, Indian Point would be the first of its kind to be denied a 20-year license extension. With that said, the governor is far from powerless.  He is currently making Entergy Nuclear (the plant owners) build cooling towers to reduce their water consumption by 95%.

For more information click here.

New York City architectural design firm developes an innovative bicycle storage solution

New York City based Architectural design firm, MANIFESTO is in the process of developing a revolutionary bicycle storage system for the cities of Seoul and London. The storage system, named the Bike Hanger, is a suspended structure similar to a Ferris-wheel that is attached the side of a building. Designed to fit 20-36 bicycles, the Bike Hanger is an innovative solution to free space in dense urban areas, provide security and promote cycling as an effective mode of transportation. The Bike Hanger is powered by the kinetic energy produced by a stationary bicycle below the structure.

For more information visit http://www.mfarch.com/project%20pages/bike%20hanger/bikehanger.html.

New York City recognized for its green markets

In the recent Green Building Opportunity Index, which ranks markets on a variety of factors that promote sustainable development, three Manhattan commercial districts have been placed in the top 10.  The index, published by Cushman & Wakefield, ranked midtown second, midtown south fourth and downtown seventh.

Cushman & Wakefield attribute New York's prevalence in the top 10 to initiatives taken by the city and state. One such initiative is the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, which requires the owners of properties larger than 50,000 square feet to benchmark their energy and water usage against 2010. Along with public initiatives, the private sector has identified green projects to be enormous economic opportunities.

For more information visit http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110624/REAL_ESTATE/110629914.

Alteris Renewables to merge with Real Goods Solar

Alteris Renewables, one of the largest design-build solar integration companies in the Northeast is undergoing a merger with Real Goods Solar, the leading solar integrator in Colorado and California. The merger will result in a solar integration powerhouse with a coast-to-coast reach.  Real Goods Solar has offered Alteris equity holders 8 million unregistered shares of its class A common stock (approx. $20 million) for the entirety of Alteris' outstanding equity.  The merger is currently pending approval from Real Goods Solar's stakeholders.

With each company boasting 30 years experience in solar energy installation, the merger has the potential to set the company as the nations leading solar integrator.

For more information on the merger visit http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/06/solar-merger-real-goods-to-snap-up-alteris.

The EPA's Clean Air Transport Rule

The EPA has developed a package of clean air measures that will have a dramatic impact on the health and vitality of the Adirondack Park in upstate New York. The measures, titled The Clean Air Transport Rule, require power plants in 31 states to reduce their sulfur dioxide emission levels by 71% and their nitrogen oxide levels by 52% (below 2005 levels) by 2013. With more than half of such particulates from Midwest power plants carried to the Adirondacks by prevailing winds, the reductions have the potential to make the chronic acidulation of Adirondack Lakes a thing of the past.

For Adirondackers, The Clean Air Transport Rule brings a sigh of relief. Acid rain and smog carried to the Adirondacks from the Midwestern United States has decimated wildlife populations, reduced tree populations due to soil calcification and have made fish unfit for consumption by natural predators.

For more information on the Clean Air Transport Rule visit http://www.epa.gov/airquality/transport/basic.html.

The ScienceCenter at SUNY Oswego

With construction of SUNY Oswego's new ScienceCenter underway, the University is setting the bar high for sustainability initiatives taken by public institutions. The ScienceCenter is designed to be LEED Gold and incorporates the largest geothermal heating/cooling system in New York State. The system is composed of 240 holes, drilled to a depth of 499 feet where there is a constant temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit. Water will be pumped through the holes and heat exchangers will be affixed for summer cooling and winter heating.

In addition to the geothermal system the ScienceCenter will have a terra cotta exterior material made from recycled materials, the exterior will utilize natural light, and alternative energies will be employed. The building will serve as a living laboratory where students can learn about the buildings technology and is even planned to house a planetarium.

SUNY Oswego's renovation is estimated to create 350 construction jobs over the next 5 years.

For more information visit http://www.oswego.edu/about/centers/obcr/campusrenovation.html.

The New York State Senate passes the Power NY Act!

In an attempt to secure New York's energy future, the New York State Senate has passed the Power NY Act.  To achieve such an objective, the bill reauthorizes and modernizes the licensing process for electric generating facilities, provides consumer incentives for investments in energy efficiency and explores the potential for solar power generation in New York State.

Included in the Power NY Act is On-Bill financing, a consumer incentive program that has been widely supported. On-Bill financing allows homeowners to pay energy efficiency measures over an extended period of time on their utility bills. Along with placing energy efficiency measures in closer reach to a diverse demographic, contractors are expanding their workforce to meet the expected demand. As a result of the bill Damian Hodkinson, Co-Owner of True Energy Solutions in Rochester, New York has expressed the intention to hire 25-30% more employees over the next 2-4 months.

For more information visit http://www.prlog.org/11554876-rochester-based-true-energy-solutions-expects-to-add-jobs-as-on-bill-financing-legislation-passes.html.

Marble River Wind Farm to install the largest wind turbines in the state

After a vote by the state Public Service Commission, the Marble River Wind Farm has been cleared to install the largest turbines in New York State. The new 3-megawatt turbines tower 492 feet and are designed to be more efficient than their smaller, 2.1-megawatt counterparts.

The Marble River Wind Farm is located in the Clinton and Ellenburg, New York and is owned by Horizon Wind Energy LLC, the subsidiary of EPD Renovaveis SA.

For more information visit http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110619/NEWS05/306199980.