New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an investment of more than $11m in five clean hydrogen research and development projects in the US.
These projects aim to demonstrate new technology designs, reduce costs associated with clean hydrogen storage and distribution, and deploy zero-emission hydrogen-powered transportation.
The funding, awarded through the Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research Program administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), addresses the main barriers to the adoption of clean hydrogen.
This includes decarbonising industrial processes, supporting hard-to-electrify sectors like transportation, and enhancing grid reliability.
Hochul said: “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.
“Advancing alternative fuels like clean hydrogen will grow our clean energy economy while reducing emissions statewide.”
The selected projects showcase a variety of applications for clean hydrogen. GTI Energy received over $220,000 to assess New York’s potential for geological hydrogen storage, which could support large-scale, long-duration energy storage.
National Grid Ventures was granted $2m to test a 100% hydrogen-fuelled linear generator at National Grid’s Northport Power Plant in Fort Salonga, aiming to improve air quality and grid stability.
Plug Power was allocated $2m to collaborate with Verne for the joint development of hydrogen distribution trailers with cryo-compressed storage solutions, which work towards cost reductions and increased efficiency for hydrogen deployment.
Stony Brook University received more than $4.9m to create a “low-pressure, ambient-temperature” hydrogen storage system at Staten Island University Hospital – North Campus to bolster healthcare system resilience.
Additionally, SWITCH Maritime secured $2m to develop New York’s first hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry, contributing to zero-emission transportation on New York City waterways.
These projects not only support the grid but also aim to reduce emissions such as carbon, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, particularly benefiting public health in congested areas and disadvantaged communities.
NYSERDA president and CEO Doreen M Harris said: “We are proud to partner with these companies that have been awarded for their bold vision in advancing clean hydrogen as part of New York’s energy transition. These innovative projects are catalysts for development that will lower costs, grow the economy, and make this resource a viable solution as part of a diversified clean energy mix for all New Yorkers.”
