Exciting News from The Syracuse Technology Garden!

I am proud to introduce Haledyne, LLC as the Syracuse Technology Garden's newest tenant. Haledyne is commercializing an airflow device that employs ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria and viruses instead. The device is an incredible breakthrough for hospitals and other health care facilities as current airborne bacteria control methods are extremely energy intensive as they involve the cycling of a large amount of air. The company is working with St. Josephs Hospital in Syracuse to install 12 units in their intensive care unit. At the Tech Garden the company will employ anywhere from 4 to 12 employees but plans to expand to 100 after 5 years in Syracuse.

Haledyne’s technology was borne out of a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) between the company, Harvard, Saint Vincent’s Medical Centers and NYSERDA. The company has since entered into academic research partnerships with Cornell,Syracuse University, Clarkson and SUNY-Fredonia. In order to identify the energy conservation components of their technology while addressing the rising issue of  hospital acquired infections Haledyne has partnered with NYSERDA and the National Grid. Haledyne is also supported by the Department of Defense in a program to create a militarized version to address HAIs domestically and abroad, in FOBs and in bioterrorism.

 

For more information on Haledene visit http://www.haledyne.com/.

A look at the post E-RIC New York Energy-Innovation Cluster

In August the New York Energy-Innovation Cluster (NYE-RIC) was beat out by the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster (GPIC) in securing $129.7 million from the federally funded Energy Regional Innovation Cluster (E-RIC) grant. The E-RIC grant focused on clean energy growth through the collaboration of regional organizational networks. With upstate New York's strengths in research, development and manufacturing and downstate's access to international markets, investment and media for commercialization, New York was undoubtedly a strong contender.

So, is New York's Energy-Innovation Cluster disintegrating after the loss? Not in the least bit! A recent article in The Site Selection Energy Report shows that New York is moving ahead with great stamina. E-RIC helped establish valuable upstate-downstate relationships between a network of research institutions, local/state agencies and training/business centers which will be vital to the future success of New York's growing Clean Energy Economy. With such networks the City University of New York (CUNY) was recently able to secure $15 million in public funding to design a cutting edge commercialization center.  With unprecedented Clean Tech growth in New York State prior to the upstate-downstate co-operation, New York has a bright, clean future ahead.

To view the article in The Site Selection Energy Report visit http://www.siteselection.com/theEnergyReport/2010/oct/sustainable-design.html.

Transmission Developers Incorporated seek support for proposed underwater power line

Transmission Developers Incorporated are trying to rile support for their proposed underwater power line spanning 350 miles from Canada to New York City via Lake Champlain and the Hudson River. The project, entitled Champlain Hudson Power Express, would help New York State meets its renewable energy goals by transmitting 1,000 megawatts of Hydroelectric and Wind energy from Canada to the grid in Westchester County.

Five public hearings have been scheduled by the New York State Public Service Commission, to determine the public level of support. Hearings are set to take place in Yonkers, Kingston, Schenectady, Whitehall and Plattsburgh.

For more information on the project visit http://www.chpexpress.com/.
For a schedule of public hearings visit http://www.northcountrygazette.org/2010/10/18/power_hearings/.

Advanced Energy Conference to showcase New York's clean energy economy

On November 8-9 those responsible for New York State's success as a national leader in clean technology will take center stage at Stony Brook University's 4th annual Advanced Energy Conference. The conference, which is being held at the Hilton New York in New York City, will feature innovations and success stories from more than 400 clean energy businesses and organizations throughout the State as well as the policies/resources that have made such feats possible. Presentations will be given by clean technology experts on a myriad of topics including: innovation/entrepreneurship, energy storage, pathways towards a low-carbon society, climate change impacts/strategies for adaptation, utility scale geothermal power, advanced lighting systems and green building technology systems.

We are proud to announce that The Clean Tech Center will be showcased at the conference along with NYSERDA's clean energy incubators, so come, introduce yourself and learn about New York's clean energy economy!

For more information visit http://www.aertc.org/conference2010/.

Governor David Paterson collaborates with Empire State Development to launch New York First

Governor David Paterson and Empire State Development have announced the launch of new website, New York First, directed towards New York State companies and those interested in relocating. As time is money in the business world, New York First makes it quick and easy to learn about state incentives offered by a wide array of state agencies.  The website also serves as a clearinghouse of Information for businesses interested in relocating to the state. New York first also features an impressive "experts on demand" guarantees the return of any email or phone call by an Empire State Development staff member within 24 hours.

New York First's web address is http://www.nyfirst.ny.gov/.

New York ranked as the 4th most energy efficient state in the nation

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has released its 4th annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard which ranks each state in terms of its energy efficiency policies, programs, transportation policies, building energy codes, combined heat/power and appliance efficiency standards. The top 5 states included California, Massachusetts, Oregon, New York and Vermont.

Despite congresses failure to pass significant energy/climate legislation, the report shows strong evidence that states are taking it upon themselves to become more energy efficient. Such evidence includes a significant increase for energy efficiency in state budgets and the doubling of states that have made significant progress towards adopting or have already adopted energy-saving building codes/ energy efficiency resource standards.

For more information on the report visit http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/policy/i/3485/.

The Empire State Building installs state of the art super-insulating glass units

Serious Materials, a California based company that specializes in re-fabricating glass to make super-insulating glass units (IGU's) was contracted by Johnson Controls to refurbish 6,514 windows of the Empire State Building. Serious Materials set up shop within the iconic building where they fabricated the IGU's using 96% of the already existing glass/frames. The IGU's have four times greater thermal efficiency than the previous dual pane windows and will reduce solar heat gain by 50%. Serious Material's process of re-fabricating windows allows for their products to cost 3.5 times less than new IGU's.

The project is expected to cut the Empire State Building's annual energy costs by $400,000 and is one of many efficiency measures in it's sustainability program. The program has a goal of a 38% decrease in energy consumption by 2025. Such a decrease will save $4.4 million in annual energy costs and 105,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Serious Materials CEO Kevin Surace is originally from Syracuse and studied engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

For more information on Serious Materials visit http://www.seriousmaterials.com/.
For more information on the Empire State Buildings sustainability program visit http://www.esbsustainability.com.

Good news for Taylor Biomass Energy's Montgomery Project

Taylor Biomass Energy of Montgomery, New York has received approval for a $100 million loan guarantee from the Department of Energy to build one of the nations first commercial scale biomass gasification power plant fueled by municipal solid waste. The plant is planned to be located in Montgomery and is expected to produce 20 MW of energy, enough to power roughly 27,000 homes! The company claims that the project will decrease the emissions of air pollutants, including greenhouse gases by approximately 70 tons, save millions of tons of waste from going into landfills and significantly reduce truck emissions due to a decrease in the transport of waste.

With the companies first project being under construction in Canada, The Montgomery Project is anticipated to be the first of many biomass gasification projects using technology developed by Taylor Biomass Energy throughout the United States.

To learn more about Taylor Biomass Energy and The Montgomery Project visit http://www.taylorbiomassenergy.com/.

ICM Controls receive recognition for the energy efficiency of its North Syracuse facilities

ICM Controls, the international manufacturer of energy efficient electronic controls for the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning industry, recently received a High-Performance Building Plaque from NYSERDA for the energy efficiency of its new North Syracuse headquarters/manufacturing facility.  The buildings were granted $265,000 in incentives by NYSERDA to feature high-performance windows, lighting systems, an energy efficient heating and cooling system and building envelope insulation. The buildings save ICM Controls 812,000 kilowatt-hours per year, roughly equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 125 single family homes.

ICM Controls is one of twenty-nine plaque recipients in New York State that have constructed buildings designed to perform at least 30% above the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code.

For more information on ICM Controls visit http://www.icmcontrols.com/.
For information about NYSERDA incentives/awards visit http://www.nyserda.org/.

New York's Great Appliance Swap Out returns!

New York's Great Appliance Swap Out, which was wait-listed in June is back in operation. The Swap Out is a popular appliance rebate program that gives rebates to any citizen replacing their old appliance with a new energy efficient unit. The program, which originated with $16 million in federal-funding, currently has $3,752,775 and will run until funds are exhausted.

Consumers interested in participating in the program should visit www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com  or call 877-NY-SMART immediately after purchasing the product to reserve their rebates, additional paper work is required and must be submitted within 14 days of the reservation.  Further funding is available to those who recycle their outdated appliances.

For more information on The Great Appliance Swap Out, including rebate values visit http://www.nyapplianceswapout.com/programdetails.aspx.

New study shows that New York State is ready for more wind power

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has recently released a report entitled Growing Wind: NYISO Wind Generation Study, which examines New York's capability to handle an increase from 1,265 to 8,000 megawatts of wind energy by 2018.  The study has found that with investments in transmission upgrades and regulation services New York is capable of addressing any operational requirements associated with the integration of wind generation.

The findings come as good news as NYISO currently has more than 7,000 megawatts of proposed wind projects to be connected to the grid, putting New York State well on track of its 2015 goal of having 30% of electricity supplied by renewable resources.

For more information visit http://www.nyiso.com/public/webdocs/newsroom/press_releases/2010/New_York_Grid_Ready_for_More_Wind_093010.pdf

A roadmap for large scale biomass employment in the Northeast

The Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group has released comprehensive plan entitled Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass: A Bold Vision for 2025, which provides a clear path towards the replacement of 25% of the Northeast's non-renewable heating fuels with biomass by the year 2025. With a total consumption rate of 5.5 billion gallons of heating oil a year in the Northeast, a 25% reduction would represent a savings of approximately 1.38 billion gallons of oil. Not only will such a reduction significantly reduce the emissions of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere but will increase energy security and boost the economy of the Northeast by investing billions of dollars domestically.

The Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group, a coalition of biomass thermal advocates in the Northeast is composed of the New York Biomass Energy Alliance, the Biomass Thermal Energy Council, the Maine Pellet Fuels Association, the Alliance for Green Heat and the Pellet Fuels Institute.

For more information visit http://www.nebioheat.org/.

The Central New York Green Infrastructure Symposium

The 2010 Central New York Green Infrastructure Symposium will be held November 17th and 18th at the Crowne Plaza in Syracuse, New York. The Symposium is hosted by SUNY ESF and the Environmental Finance Center at Syracuse University and will feature presentations on the future of green infrastructure in the region, panel discussions on strategically advancing green infrastructure and field trips to local green infrastructure projects.

Abstracts for oral research presentations on topics including: stormwater management and BMPs, vegetated roofs, bioswales, rain gardens, planter boxes, pervious pavement, stormwater quality, gray vs. green infrastructure, health effects, plant selections for site development, human and behavioral dimensions, financial feasibility and climate change mitigation will be accepted until October 15th.

For more information visit http://www.esf.edu/outreach/gi/fall2010 or contact Virginia Williams at vwilliams@esf.edu.

Just how much is the federal government investing in New York State's clean energy economy?

The Department of Energy recently released a memo outlining clean energy investments in New York State under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As of June 1st, the federal government has invested $1.7 billion in New York State. These investments fit into 7 broad categories: energy efficiency, renewable energy, grid modernization, transportation, carbon capture and storage, environmental cleanup and science/innovation.

President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is unprecedented as it has already invested a nationwide total of $90 billion for clean energy projects, which the government expects to create a national total of 800,000 jobs by 2012.

For more information visit http://www.examiner.com/populist-in-long-island/nys-gets-1-7-billion-recovery-act-funding-to-invest-clean-energy-projects or download a copy of the report at http://www.energy.gov/recovery/ny.htm.

US Representative Maurice Hinchey secures $10.5 million for research at Binghamton University

United States Representative Maurice Hinchey has secured $10.5 million from the house of Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to fund research at the Center for Autonomous Solar Power and the Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging Center at Binghamton University. The research conducted with the money will include circuitry miniaturization, software development, display systems and the development of constant solar power sources from flexible solar cells and super-capacitors.

The funding comes only a month after Representative Hinchey announced the securement of $9 million to fund energy-efficiency research for the US Defense Department.  The money will do a great deal for job creation at the University, bolstering both the local and state economies.

The funding still needs approval by the full House Appropriations Committee, the full House of Representatives and the Senate but Hinchey has expressed full confidence of approval.

For more information visit: http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20100920/NEWS01/9200373/1116/news/Hinchey+announces++10.5+million+in+research+funds+for+BU.

Two new landmarks for Geneva, New York

The Geneva, New York company Zotos International Inc. which specializes in the production of hair-care/personal-styling products broke ground yesterday on what they claim to be the largest on-site wind energy project by any manufacturer in the United States. The project will include the installation of two 1,650 Kilowatt turbines that will tower 350 feet above the city of Geneva.  The Turbines are expected to provide Zotos International's Geneva plant with 70% of their total energy demand. 5% of energy production will be donated to Geneva and is expected to be enough to power the city's streetlights.

Zotos International Inc. is owned by the large Japanese cosmetic company Shiseido Americas Corp. After receiving $2.1 Million in federal stimulus money the company paid $4.9 Million for the project, an investment they expect to see a return on in less than 5 years. The company is currently looking for other clean energy options such as solar and geothermal to become 100% carbon neutral by 2011.

For more information on the project see The Post-Standard article at http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/09/geneva_plant_breaks_ground_on.html or read about the companies environmental commitment at http://www.zotos.com/our-eco-commitment.

$20 million allocated to Great Lakes restoration projects in New York State

As the nation's largest source of fresh surface water, the health of the Great Lakes has become a priority for the Obama administration. President Obama has created the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative which provides $475 million in funding to combat invasive species, non-point source pollution and contaminated sediment.

The initiative has recently allocated $20 million to projects within New York State.  Seventeen organizations ranging from colleges/universities, non-profits, state/local agencies and tribes will receive the federal funding.

Three such recipients are:

• The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has received $315,225 for their "Be Green in the Great Lakes" project. The project will educate homeowners and land care providers about organic practices to reduce water use and avoid environmentally degrading synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. 
• The Buffalo Niagra Riverkeeper has been awarded $657,245 to design, implement and monitor a restoration project along the Buffalo River. The project will take place at the Riverbend site and is set to include river bank enhancement and floodplain habitat restoration.
• The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has been awarded a total of $1,952,522 to undertake two projects. The first will focus on restrictions on fish/wildlife consumption and population/habitat degradation along the St. Lawrence River in Massena, NY. The second project will focus on the restoration of Lake Sturgeon along the same section of the St. Lawrence. 

For more information on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and a full list of New York Projects visit http://greatlakesrestoration.us/?p=1787.

Report finds New York is # 6 among top ten states for energy efficiency

In the report released today, the Center for American Progress and Energy Resource Management looked at state regulations and incentives for energy efficiency that are working today in leading states to accelerate demand for energy efficiency services, businesses, and ultimately jobs.  "As this market rapidly grows in coming years, states that have put in place strong policies for energy efficiency will be best positioned to capture these new employment opportunities for construction workers in clean energy," according to CAP.

New York State scored highly -- #6 among the top ten states, in the findings.

"Choices in policy can have a tremendous impact on setting the market conditions that entice private sector investment and put skilled construction workers back on the job. This paper identifies ten policies that are effectively used in states and can have an especially large impact in shaping the market for energy efficiency. Using a state-by-state analysis of existing policies (including both regulations and investment incentives), as well as market conditions (including energy prices and building stock), the Center for American Progress and Energy Resource Management identified the leading states where smart policies are poised to set the stage for clean energy jobs and the homegrown businesses that will serve this new demand."

Bottom line finding:  "The key driver of these markets for efficiency is the presence of policies and market prices that allow businesses to profitably recover the cost of their investments in productive, innovative, and cost-effective energy efficiency measures."

Read more from the Center for American Progress at: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/08/good_jobs_new_markets.html

Fall is still green in Upstate NY: green events line-up

It's still green this fall in Upstate New York ... come visit and enjoy a broad variety of green events ...

Ithaca: Ithaca College Sustainability Leadership, September 8-21, 2010.  Sustainability Leadership - Seminars in the Professional Certificate Program.  Registration: www.ithaca.edu/gps/sl

Syracuse: SUNY ESF Outreach, September 13 – 16, 2010.  Photovoltaic Installer and Maintenance Training -- Solar Power as Renewable Energy (SPARE).  Board-recognized by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).  NOTE: Beginning June 30, 2011 NYSERDA will be requiring all PV installers in New York State to be NABCEP Certified.  Info: http://www.esf.edu/outreach/pd/spare/

Ithaca: September 17, 2010, 8:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Ithaca College, Campus Center, Emerson Suites.  The Clean Energy Summit: Re-Imagining Upstate New York’s Energy Future.  Closing Keynote: The Honorable Maurice Hinchey, U.S. Representative, 22nd District of NY.  Pre-registration required.  Register Online: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/clean_energy_summit_registration  Questions or interested in tabling: Marian Brown, 607-274-3787 or mbrown@ithaca.edu

Syracuse: State University of New York, College of Environmental Science & Forestry.  September 21-October 28, 2010, SUNY ESF Campus. Leading Sustainability in Public, Private and Nonprofit Organizations.  More Information: http://www.esf.edu/outreach/ls/agenda.htm

Buffalo: Daemen College, September 25, 2010, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  6th Annual WNY Environmental Summit, Free & Open to the Public.  Call for Exhibitors. Information: Brenda Young, byoung@daemen.edu

Syracuse: Syracuse Center of Excellence, September 27-28, 2010.  The 10th Annual Symposium on Environmental & Energy Systems:  Restoring Sustainable, Healthy Communities.  Information: http://www.syracusecoe.org/coe/sub1.html?skuvar=56

Buffalo: North American Association for Environmental Education.  September 28 – October 2, 2010, Hyatt Regency Buffalo, Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.  7th Annual Research Symposium and 39th NAAEE Annual Conference.  Environmental Education: Building Connections-Bridging Gaps.  Information: www.naaee.org/conference

Syracuse:  The Tech Garden/The Clean Tech Center, Small Business Administration, WISE, FOCUS Greater Syracuse and SUNY OCC.  September 30, 2010, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.  The Power of Green: Featuring Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, St. Joseph Hospital CEO-elect Kathy Ruscitto on major green sustainability projects, with innovative networking for green entrepreneurs. $20 per person. Advance reservations are required. Register on-line at: http://powerofgreen.eventbrite.com  For more information: (315) 474-0910


Syracuse: SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, October 17-19, 2010. Syracuse University Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center.  8th Biennial Short Rotation Woody Crops, Operations Working Group Conference.  More Information: www.esf.edu/outreach/pd/2010/srwc

Syracuse: SUNY ESF and the Sustainable Enterprise Partnership (SEP), November 3 & 4, 2010.  SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry -- SURE Program.  Sustainable Use of Renewable Energy: Renewable Technologies and Carbon Cycling.  November 3: Renewable Energy 101.  November 4: Renewable Technologies and Carbon Cycling.  Information: www.esf.edu/outreach/sure/

Syracuse: SUNY ESF Outreach, November 18, 2010, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  SUNY ESF Campus, Baker Lab, Rm 408.  Green Infrastructure Symposium 2010: Growing Green Infrastructure in Central New York.  Info: http://www.esf.edu/outreach/gi/fall2010/

Call for Abstracts – Deadline October 15. http://www.esf.edu/greenbuilding/ 
Syracuse: SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, March 24-25, 2011.  Doubletree Hotel. 9th Annual Green Building Conference -- Keynote Speaker: James Howard Kunstler, Urban Planning Expert, Social Critic, Author, Journalist.  More Information: http://www.esf.edu/greenbuilding/

GreeningUSA's 12 Traits© Community Rating System Beta Test -- last chance to sign up!

GreeningUSA's 12 Traits© Community Rating System Beta Test Self Assessment Manual and Public Comment Period is coming to a close, but there is still time to get in.  The 12 Traits© is a comprehensive system to determine the overall sustainability of an existing city, town, village or county. It is the most comprehensive rating system developed for communities to measure their successes, and to make sense of how to prioritize future initiatives in their move to become truly sustainable.

The City of Syracuse has signed on as the first beta tester, and the organization is currently seeking other communities, organizations and individuals to become involved in one of three ways:

1. Public Comment Period – is open until September 30, 2010. Read and review the 12 Traits© Self-Assessment manual and give us your constructive feedback.
2. Community Beta Testers - are being sought to complete the self-assessment by the end of this year.
3. Expert Virtual Committees – are being formed by those with specific expertise in any of the 12 Traits.

To download a copy of the 12 Traits© Self-Assessment Manual, please visit the GreeningUSA web site at www.GreeningUSA.org   To become a Community Beta Tester or to volunteer to serve on an Expert Virtual Committee, please email the 12 Traits© Program Manager, Peter Arsenault, at 12traits@greeningusa.org

Visit GreeningUSA on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=1312592571
Join on Plaxo: http://greeningusa.plaxogroups.com

Renewable Technologies and Carbon Cycling: Fueling the Debate

November 3-4, 2010, Syracuse, NY

Many researchers and scientists have projected that we will double our carbon emissions worldwide by 2050. The negative effects this will have on our environment have raised significant concerns in the public and private sector in response to carbon emissions and climate change, coupled with fossil fuels and renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar. These following points “fuel” the debate:

• Not all renewable energy sources (e.g. wind vs. biomass) displace the same fossil fuels in regards to CO2 emissions. 
• Not all fossil fuels produce the same level of pollution (coal power plants produce more CO2 than natural gas.)

Join SUNY ESF and its partners on Thursday, November 4th for presentations and debate about carbon cycling and renewable technologies from a production, policy and viability perspective. Participants are also invited to come the prior evening, November 3rd, for panel discussions at the SU Whitman School of Management on renewable technologies.

$25.00 registration fee includes both days and breakfast and lunch on Thursday.

The program is sponsored by The Sustainable Enterprise Project (SEP), a collaborative group led by SUNY-ESF, the Whitman School of Management (SU), and the Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Innovations. The SURE program is supported, in part, by a NYS Department of Labor grant in partnership with CNY Works.

Registration is now open at www.esf.edu/outreach/sure/2010/

Two universities in New York State receive funding for research in carbon capture/storage

Cornell University and the University of Buffalo have been awarded $1.3 million from the Department of Energy, as well as $250,000 from NYSERDA to study the potential of sequestering greenhouse gas emissions from power plants in underground eastern shale formations. The funding comes as part of a federal initiative to develop technologies for the safe/economical storage of Carbon Dioxide in rock formations. The project was among 14 others nationwide, selected by the federal government to assure our position as a world leader in carbon capture and storage technologies.

For more information see the NYSERDA press release at http://www.nyserda.org/Press_Releases/2010/PressReleas20100818.asp.

New map of NYC to provide essential solar/flood data

A low flying plane equipped with light detection and ranging laser technology has recently made several late night passes over New York City in an effort to create the most detailed map of the city in history. The map is part of Mayor Bloomberg's environmental agenda, PlaNYC and will be used to locate areas that are most prone to coastal flooding, an increasing risk as sea levels rise. In addition, the map will be used to identify buildings best suited for solar photovoltaic panels and neighborhoods in desperate need of trees.  The new map will replace the current flood-plain map which was created in the 1980's and is severely outdated.

The new map will be instrumental in assessing New York City's potential for solar power and will allow for New Yorkers to access solar data for the buildings in which they live and work.

See the New York Times article "With Lasers and Flyovers, a Solar Map of New York" at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/10/nyregion/10mapping.html for more information.

For more information about PlaNYC visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/home/home.shtml.

AES Energy Storage to build energy storage system in Johnson City, NY

The US Department of Energy has offered a $17.1 million loan guarantee to AES Energy Storage to build a 20 MW grid energy storage system in Johnson City, NY using A123SYSTEM'S Lithium Ion Batteries. The system will use A123's batteries and management software to take energy from the grid when there is a large supply and returning the energy when there is demand.  The storage system will replace traditional methods of smoothing out grid demands by fossil fuel combustion.

The Johnson City project is the second of its kind for New York State as Beacon Power has recently started constructing the first flywheel grid energy storage plant in Stephentown, NY.

For more information on the AES Energy Storage project visit http://earth2tech.com/2010/08/02/latest-doe-loan-guarantee-a123-battery-project-for-grid-storage/.
For more information on the Beacon Power project see our August 9th blog post at http://cleantechny.blogspot.com/2010/08/beacon-power-to-establish-worlds-first.html.

Construction starts for the Hardscrabble Wind Farm Project in Herkimer County

The construction of Herkimer County's Hardscrabble Wind Farm Project in Fairfield and Norway, NY began last month. The project, which is estimated to be completed next year includes 37 wind turbines, 14 miles of access roads, 20 miles of buried electric lines, 2 meteorological towers and an operations/maintenance facility.  Each turbine will stand at 450 feet and will generate an estimated 2 megawatts of electricity for a combined farm total of 74 megawatts. Atlantic Wind, a subsidiary of the spanish company Iberdrola is behind the project.

Construction materials/turbine components are not the only things flowing into the rural communities of Fairfield and Norway as the communities have experienced an influx of tourism since construction commenced. 

For more information regarding the Hardscrabble Wind Farm visit http://www.herkimertelegram.com/news/x613850357/Hardscrabble-wind-farm-project-underway.

SUNY Binghamton receives federal funding for anode development

SUNY Binghamton has received funding to synthesize nano-sized metal-based anodes along with other electroactive species to create an anode with double the energy density as those currently on the market. The anodes are being developed for Lithium-Ion batteries to be utilized in Electric Vehicle applications.

The funding comes from the Batteries for Advanced Transportation Technology program which is financed by the US Department of Energy's Office of Vehicle Technology. The program granted a total of $8 million to 5 universities, 1 private non-profit research institute and two national laboratories with the goal of developing low cost/energy dense anodes while maintaining safety and longevity.

For more information visit http://www.cars21.com/content/articles/2010-08-03-usd-8-million-for-innovative-research-projects-on-lithium-battery-anodes.php?AlertDate=2010-08-02.

NYSERDA's Solar PV program

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is providing a cash incentive for the installation of grid-connected solar electric/solar photovoltaic systems by installers who have signed an eligible installer agreement and have shown technical competence in the field. The incentives will cover 25-35% of total installation costs for residential systems of 7kW or less, not-for-profit systems of 25kW or less and commercial systems of 50kW or less.

A total of $132 million is available through the New York State Renewable Portfolio Standard and will be given out on a first-come first-serve basis through December 15, 2015. NYSERDA hopes the program will spur a state total of 82 MW of solar electric power.

For more information on the Solar PV Program visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2112summary.pdf.

National Grid identifies opportunity for greenhouse gas reductions and job creation

National Grid has released a study showing that 16% of the natural gas demanded in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire can be met with renewable gas (bio-methane). Renewable gas is produced through the thermal gasification or anaerobic digestion of biomass such as wood/agricultural residues, solid waste and energy crops.

National Grid identifies a long-term goal of replacing 25% of the demanded natural gas in its four state range with renewable gas. Such a switch has the potential to decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 16 million tons per year, create as many as 9,000 jobs and ensure future energy security through domestic production.

For more information visit http://www.nationalgridus.com/.

Presenters wanted for the 9th annual New York State Green Building Conference

The 9th annual New York State Green Building Conference hosted by SUNY ESF and the New York  Upstate Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council is currently accepting abstracts for presentations.  The Conference's mission is to "promote, educate and support green building design, construction and processes."

Keynoting the conference is James Howard Kunstler. Kunstler is an urban planning expert, social critic, author and journalist who has written such books as Geography of Nowhere, Home From Nowhere, The City in Mind and The Long Emergency.  

The Conference is scheduled to be held on March 24-25, 2011 at the Doubletree Hotel in East Syracuse, NY.

For more information on the conference as well as a template for abstracts visit http://www.esf.edu/greenbuilding/.

Large number of NYSERDA-funded companies selected to present at the New Energy New York Symposium

The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering's Energy and Environmental Applications Center has announced their selection of companies to give presentations in front of regional/national venture capitalists, private investors, investment bankers and federal executives at the New Energy New York Symposium.  Among those selected are an overwhelming number of NYSERDA-funded companies, including the Clean Tech Center's own Paper Battery Company. 

The top three companies, selected by investors, will be given recognition and encouraged to participate in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's upcoming 23rd Industry Growth forum in Denver, Colorado.  The best company will be selected/honored as Clean Energy Entrepreneur of the Year.

The selected NYSERDA-funded Companies include:

Anellotech has developed a thermochemical catalytic platform for producing economically feasible renewable fuels from biomass. Visit http://www.anellotech.com/ for more information. 

BESS Technologies has developed an anode technology that allows for Li-ion batteries to be produced with longer lifetimes and lower weight/volume.  Visit http://www.bess-tech.com/index.php for more information. 

Ener-G-Rotors has developed a technology that enables electricity generation from low-grade waste heat. Visit http://www.ener-g-rotors.com/ for more information. 

Energy Materials Corporation specializes in the development/manufacture/sales of high efficiency photovoltaic polymer films to be used in power generation applications.  Visit http://energymaterialscorp.com/ for more information.

GeoEnergy Enterprises LLC. has developed breakthrough advancements in geothermal ground pumps. Visit http://www.geoenergyusa.com/ for more information. 

NetZero Energy Systems has developed a highly efficient thermal energy storage system. 

Nexeon Energy Solutions has developed a low cost replacement for gas fills and coatings for windows. Visit http://www.nexeones.com/Welcome.html for more information.

The Paper Battery Company has developed a sheet material that stores energy and can be employed in everyday structures.  The Paper Battery Company is a portfolio company of The CleanTech Center. Visit http://www.paperbatteryco.com/ for more information. 

Plug Power Inc. specializes in the development, manufacture, integration and service of fuel cell solutions. Visit http://www.plugpower.com/ for more information. 

Rentricity specializes in providing water utilities with hydrokinetic energy recovery systems. Visit http://www.rentricity.com/ for more information.

Solar Sentry has developed diagnostic systems/instrumentation that allow solar electric site developers to  maximize  their financial returns and minimize their risks.  Visit http://www.solarsentry.com/ for more information. 

Sollega specializes in developing products that reduce the mounting/installation costs of solar arrays, catalyzing the widespread adoption of solar energy technologies. Visit www.sollega.com for more information. 

Wind Products Inc. has developed a product to analyze wind energy and the feasibility of  small wind turbines for various urban/suburban locations. Visit http://wind-products.com/ for more information. 


For more information on the New Energy New York Symposium see our August 6th post at http://cleantechny.blogspot.com/2010/08/5th-annual-new-energy-symposium.html or visit http://www.nyas.org/events/Detail.aspx?cid=ebaaefc1-3d3c-4dd9-a285-35e46d550a49. 

Beacon Power to establish the world's first flywheel energy storage plant in Stephentown, NY

Beacon Power, a Massachusetts based company has developed a device that stores energy from the grid and can provide up to 100 Kilowatts for 15 minutes to buffer disturbances. The device is a carbon fiber flywheel that spins at mach 2 speeds or 16,000 revolutions per minute. Beacon Power is in the process of constructing its first flywheel storage plant in Stephentown, NY, which will utilize 200 flywheels to buffer 20 megawatts of grid power.

The company has secured a $43,125,000 loan from the Department of Energy as well as $2 million in funding from NYSERDA. The capital will cover a total of 65.4 percent of the estimated $69 million needed for construction. The storage plant will be the first of its kind and will replace traditional methods of fossil fuel combustion to maintain a balance between supply and demand.

For more information visit http://www.beaconpower.com/.

Andrew Cuomo's Solar Energy Platform

New York State's Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo has released a solar energy platform with goals to make New York State a leader in solar energy and create jobs. The plan was well received by the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) who quickly gave its support. Gail Markels, Executive Director of NYSEIA said "It is refreshing that there are elected officials, such as Andrew Cuomo who understand the nuances of the solar industry" and that "NYSEIA hopes to continue to work with the Cuomo campaign to bring green jobs to New York State and fulfill our shared goal of making solar energy the least expensive and most widely used energy source in the state."

The plan encourages the growth of solar photovoltaic, the creation of solar renewable energy credits and the adoption of solar thermal water heating. Cuomo has identified solar photovoltaics as the perfect fit for New York's dense urban areas with high energy demands and little extra space for other renewable energy sources such as wind.

In his plan, Cuomo outlines the cost effectiveness of employing solar thermal technology to heat water on both commercial and residential scales and establishes an aggressive program to install solar thermal in public, private and commercial buildings in the State of New York.

For more information visit http://sunpluggers.com/news/new-york-gubernatorial-candidate-issues-plan-to-increase-use-of-solar-0786.

Alteris Renewables opens office in Kingston, NY

Alteris Renewables, Inc., the largest design/build renewable energy company in the Northeast, has just opened a new office in the TechCity business park in Kingston, NY. The Connecticut-based company has only had a presence in New York State for a year but is quickly expanding, with offices in Albany, Saratoga Springs, New City and Kingston. With a central location between Albany and New York City Alteris Renewables's Kingston office will help them become New York State's renewable energy hub. Michael Stangl, PE, Vice President of Regional Sales for Alteris Renewables has rececntly commented that the Kingston, NY office will play an essential role in meeting the northeast's demand for affordable, reliable and convenient renewable energy systems.

TechCity is an eco-friendly commercial/ light industrial complex that serves as a hub for Hudson Valley's environmentally-oriented businesses.  Already home to SolarTech Renewables (photovoltaic manufacturer), EarthKind Energy, Inc. (Solar Thermal and Renewable Energy Credits) and The Solar Energy Consortium (center for photovoltaic innovation), Alteris Renewables adds the missing design/build piece to Tech City's solar cluster.

For more information about:
Alteris Renewables visit http://www.alterisinc.com/.
TechCity visit http://www.techcityny.com/.

The 5th Annual New Energy Symposium

The 5th Annual New Energy Symposium is scheduled to be held at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York City on August 9th and 10th of this year. New Energy New York and the Environmental Technology Applications Center at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering will host the Symposium, with the New York Academy of Sciences.

Keynoting the symposium will be Congressman Steve Israel and Suresh Pabhu, the former federal cabinet minister and member of parliament for industry, energy and environment in India.  The symposium will also feature Clean Energy Investment Presentations, a great opportunity for clean-tech start ups to showcase their technology to an audience of venture capitalists, private investors, corporate venture capitalists, investment bankers and federal executives.  After the presentations, the investors will select/reward their favorite three companies.

For more information about the symposium visit http://www.nyas.org/events/Detail.aspx?cid=ebaaefc1-3d3c-4dd9-a285-35e46d550a49.

New York State legislation benefits NYSTAR's Center for Advanced Technology

The New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) has benefited from recent legislation in Albany which enables its Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) to be more flexible in accelerating technology R&D and commercialization. Governor Paterson signed the bill on July 15th which has great implications for small businesses as their matching funds will now count as double towards CAT's overall match requirement.

The law will also help NYSTAR fulfill its aspiration to promote partnerships with entities throughout New York State by encouraging partnerships to expand their networks for business growth.

For more information see NYSTAR's August 5 newsletter at http://www.nystar.state.ny.us/nl/100805.pdf.

Syracuse CoE's 10th annual symposium on the environment and energy systems

The Syracuse Center of Excellence (CoE) is holding its 10th annual symposium on the environment and energy systems on the 27th and 28th of September at the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse, NY.  The 2010 conference is titled "Restoring Sustainable, Healthy Communities" and will feature presentations related to indoor environmental quality, water quality and clean/renewable energies.

If you are a graduate student/professional from the academic, industry, research sectors or represent a community organization and wish to participate in the symposium, the Syracuse CoE is currently accepting proposals.  Proposals are in abstract form and are due on August 12th by 5pm.

The Syracuse CoE Symposium is sponsored by the State of New York, Empire State Development Corporation, the United States Department of Energy and Syracuse University.

For more information on the symposium/proposals visit:  www.syracusecoe.org 

SUNY ESF's "Leading Sustainability in Public, Private and Nonprofit Organizations" program

Are you interested in greening your business but unclear how to start? If so, SUNY ESF and O’Brien &Gere’s “Leading Sustainability in Public, Private and Nonprofit Organizations” program is right for you. An experienced team of instructors and practitioners will teach the program and provide information necessary to initiate, establish and advance sustainability planning, implementation and reporting.  Real world examples of the costs and benefits associated with the adaptation and the use of renewable technologies and sustainable practices will be provided, along with reliable perspectives, recommendations, information and resources to help inform sustainability efforts.

The main program is two days and can be attended on either September 21 from 8:15 pm to 4:00 pm and September 22 from 8:30am to 4:00 pm, or October 1 from 8:15am to 4:00 pm and October 2 from 8:30am to 4:00. 

Four sessions follow the program, three of which can be attended either in person or via the Internet and will be held on October 7, 14 and 21 from 4:15pm to 7:00 pm. The final session will be held on campus on October 28 from 8:15am to 1:15pm.

For more information visit http://www.esf.edu/outreach/ls/.

The International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation in Buildings to be held in Syracuse

The 7th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation, and Energy Conservation in buildings is being hosted by The Syracuse Center of Excellence and Syracuse University and is scheduled to take place August 15-18 on Syracuse University's main campus. The theme of the conference is "innovation and Integration" and will include presentations of research, demonstrations of technologies and discussions of future challenges/opportunities pertaining to indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Previously hosted in Canada, China, Japan and France the 2010 conference is the first to take place in the United States.

For more information visit the conferences website at http://www.iaqvec2010.org/.

Syracuse Entrepreneur's Bootcamp

Syracuse University's nationally ranked Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship is holding an "entrepreneur's bootcamp" -- an intense six-day class based on SU's entrepreneurship curriculum. The bootcamp is open to all individuals (not limited to SU students) who have a venture idea, have recently started a venture, or who are interested in entrepreneurship. A team of SU entrepreneurship faculty and successful entrepreneurs teach critical concepts, ideas and approaches necessary for the creating of a successful venture as well as common mistakes/pitfalls to avoid.


The bootcamp will be held at Syracuse University's Whitman School of Managment on October 9,16, 23, 30 and November 6 and 13 from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. The total cost of the bootcamp is $650 and a limited number of $200 scholarships are available for those in need.

The course is sponsored by Bond, Schoeneck &King, PLLC, Kauffman: The Foundation of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Society of CNY, Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency and CNY Business Journal.

For more information about the program/registering visit whitman.syr.edu/eee/bootcamp
or contact Lindsay Wickham at 315-443-3550 or  lwickham@syr.edu.

NASA looking for small businesses to develop power generation/storage technologies

NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are currently seeking small businesses to develop energy/power generation, conversion and management technologies to ensure the success of future space missions.  The desired technologies fall under two general categories: photovoltaics/ other energy generation and batteries, ultra-capacitors, fuel cells/ other storage. Within photovoltaics/energy generation, NASA desires power generation and conversion, technologies of space power and propulsion, advanced photovoltaic systems and energy conservation/sustainability. Within batteries, ultra-capacitors, fuel cells and other storage NASA desires power management and storage technologies, extreme environments technologies, technologies for space power and propulsion, energy conservation/sustainability, robotic systems for human exploration, fuel cells and electrolyzers for space applications, advanced space-rated batteries, advanced power conversion, management, and distribution for high power space exploration applications and batteries for oxygen concentrators.


The Syracuse Technology Garden has a strong desire to help small businesses become first-time participants in the NASA SBIR/STTR program. If your business fits the criteria please e-mail the Tech Garden at info@thetechgarden.com or call 315-474-0910.


For more details about the programs/desired technologies click here.


Solicitations are due by september 2, 2010.