NYPA announces Albany microgrid plans

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

The New York Power Authority has announced plans to develop a microgrid to supply steam and electricity to the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza in Albany.

NYPA, officially known as the Power Authority of the State of New York, is a state-level public power organization, operating power plants and transmission lines.

On May 22, 2017, NYPA announced its plans to convert a former waste-recovery steam plant located in Albany into a site for two new 8-megawatt natural gas-fired turbine generators with dual fuel capability.  The generators will be able to supply local needs, or sell power into the wholesale market, with the microgrid capable of operating in sync with the main grid or as an independent "island."  According to NYPA, the "resilient power generation facility will enable government services to continue in an emergency while the Plaza can be used as an emergency shelter for Albany residents."  The project is expected to supply 90 percent of the power for the state office complex, to save more than $2.7 million in annual energy costs, and to avoid the annual emission of 25,600 tons of greenhouse gases. 

The New York State Office of General Services will finance the project, supported by $2.5 million from NYSERDA.  NYPA has issued a request for proposals by developers; proposals are due to NYPA on July 13, with awards expected this fall.


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