By Hank Russell
The state will be sending $6.9 million to Long Island for the development of clean hydrogen research and development projects. The awarded projects will demonstrate new technology designs, cost reductions associated with clean hydrogen storage and distribution, evaluate large-scale clean hydrogen storage opportunities, and deploy zero-emission hydrogen-powered transportation.
The projects were selected through the Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research Program administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which provided $11 million in funding for clean fuel innovation projects throughout the state that help to decarbonize industrial processes, integrate clean fuel production with renewable energy, and demonstrate clean fuel power generation systems to support grid reliability.
Beyond grid support, the awarded projects will demonstrate how clean hydrogen can help to reduce various emissions, including carbon, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, from industrial processes and transportation in congested areas, helping to improve public health near transit hubs, industrial corridors, and hospitals — including in disadvantaged communities, as defined by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group criteria.
National Grid Ventures was awarded $2 million to install the first commercially deployed, 100 percent hydrogen-fueled linear generator at National Grid’s Northport Power Plant in Fort Salonga. It will be tested for one year to demonstrate its benefits in improving air quality and grid reliability.
“The first-of-its-kind commercial deployment of a green hydrogen linear generator at our Northport power plant is a big step forward in advancing new energy resources,” said National Grid US President Will Hazelip. “This innovative, flameless technology will minimize emissions and run on clean hydrogen, with the ability to use other more accessible or affordable fuel sources as needed.”
Long Island Power Authority Chief Executive Officer Carrie Meek Gallagher added, “This pilot project reflects our commitment to advancing dispatchable, zero-emission technologies essential to meeting New York’s climate goals and enhancing reliability. This exciting partnership with National Grid Ventures is bringing together stakeholders across the state to shape a more resilient, reliable, and carbon-free electric grid.”
Stony Brook University was awarded over $4.9 million for a low-pressure, ambient-temperature hydrogen storage system at Northwell Health Hospital to improve the resilience and reliability of the healthcare systems’ operation.
“The investment by NYSERDA to support this project will enable significant advances in flexible energy storage that can meet dynamic industrial and consumer demand,” Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith said. “Demonstrating this novel technology in a hospital system will ensure that patients and healthcare workers are not subject to power outages or shortages in their critical care systems.”
“New York’s investments in clean hydrogen are helping to unlock this emerging resource as a potential contributor to the state’s affordable, abundant, and reliable energy system,” Governor Kathy Hochul added. “Advancing alternative fuels like clean hydrogen will grow our clean energy economy while reducing emissions statewide.”