Funding Announced For Large-Scale Energy Storage In New York

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New York’s Governor has made funding available for solar projects integrating energy storage, to help the state towards its goal of 1,500MW storage capacity by 2025.

USD $40 million will be available to support energy storage projects of at least 50 megawatts capacity paired with solar power.

“As we continue our aggressive pursuit of clean, renewable technologies, funding for projects like this will ensure New York remains at the forefront of the global fight against climate change,” said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “The strategic pairing of energy storage and solar technologies moves us closer to building a clean energy economy that protects critical natural resources and benefits all New Yorkers.”

New York’s energy storage aspirations support a broader goal of the state sourcing 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by the same year; based on 1990 levels.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), 1,462.93MW of solar capacity was installed throughout the state by the end of Q2 this year; ranking it 11th in the USA.

The Governor’s 1,500MW energy storage goal was proposed early this year along with a number of other initiatives, including the adoption of  regulations ending the use of coal in the state’s power plants by 2020.

While medium/large scale PV is bounding along in New York, home solar uptake in the state remains low compared to Australia. According to the SEIA, 243,124 New York (state) homes had solar panels installed by the end of Q2. This situation is due in part to pricing. For example, a 5kW solar system in Australia using quality components and professionally installed costs $5,000 – $8,000 after subsidies, whereas in New York it can cost more than double that in AUD.

More Electric Vehicle Charging Points

In related news and also announced on Friday was the addition of 44 new electric vehicle charging points in the New York cities of Rochester and Buffalo. There are now 1,100 state-funded chargers across New York State as part of an effort to encourage uptake and use of electric vehicles- and more to come.

“We are moving forward by working with communities to build an even more extensive network of charging stations which will substantially reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and build a cleaner, greener New York for all,” said Governor Cuomo.

New York is aiming to be ready to accommodate more than 30,000 plug-in electric vehicles by the end of this year and 1 million by 2025 under its Charge NY initiative.