Advanced Clean Energy Technologies Key for Renewable Energy and Economic Growth

Outlined Next Steps To Meet Growing Energy Demand With Dispatchable Emissions-Free Resources and Continued Deployment of Renewables

September 5, 2024

At the Future Energy Economy Summit held in Syracuse, Governor Kathy Hochul today called for advanced clean energy technologies to play a key role in supporting renewable energy and economic development. The Summit outlined next steps needed to plan for growing energy demand that can support the State’s commitment to accelerate progress toward a zero-emission electricity system.

“New York is building a clean energy economy that fosters growth, ingenuity and taps into technologies that will reduce our carbon footprint,” Governor Hochul said. “From creating the most successful offshore wind industry in the country to our investments in a sustainable electric grid, we are committed to being a national leader in protecting our climate – and we won’t stop until we’ve created the best possible future for our children.”

Three takeaways from the Summit include the need to prioritize continued focus on building New York’s renewable energy grid to realize the health, environmental and economic benefits resources like wind and solar provide; to bring new attention to technology research, market development and commercial demonstration of new and existing dispatchable emissions-free resources to support a reliable, resilient and affordable renewable grid for the State’s expanding economy; and to identify, leverage and maximize the potential federal funding opportunities, offered by the Biden-Harris administration, and policy development proposals to further support economy growth strategies.

Using insights gained during the Summit, the State will engage the industry to undertake the following next steps:

• Complete the ongoing Public Service Commission review of the State's overarching large-scale renewable energy program, known as the Clean Energy Standard (CES) by early 2025 and advance key actions to accelerate and expand New York’s large-scale renewable energy industry, focusing on deployment goals, interconnection reforms and the timely implementation of the RAPID Act for expedited environmental reviews and permitting of major renewable energy and electric transmission facilities;
• Maximize leverage of federal programs by applying for relevant funding opportunities for economic development and next generation emissions-free energy technology planning and deployment;
• Advance Public Service Commission action on the pending ‘Zero Emissions by 2040’ proceeding that is investigating technologies that support the 2040 zero-emissions electricity system target established through New York’s Climate Act;
• Solicit industry feedback on the draft Advanced Nuclear Technologies Blueprint, found here , and finalize the draft blueprint by the end of this year; and
• Ensure that the next State Energy Plan, developed by the New York State Energy Planning Board recently convened by Governor Hochul, appropriately considers the role advanced emissions-free technologies can play in the State’s move to a deeply renewable electric grid and capitalization of programs that will expand the State’s economy.

The Summit, attended by over 600 people both in-person and virtually, was convened at Governor Hochul’s direction to explore strategies to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and study the role of next generation emissions-free technologies that are needed to support economic growth and achieve the Climate Act target for a deeply decarbonized energy grid. The Governor appointed New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Board Chair Richard Kauffman to serve as chair of the Summit with contributions from leadership and staff from NYSERDA, the Department of Public Service (DPS), Empire State Development (ESD), New York Power Authority (NYPA), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Department of Health (DOH), Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and Department of Labor (DOL).

NYSERDA Board Chair Richard Kauffman said, “I am thankful to the industry leaders and experts who shared their insights at the Summit in support of the State’s commitment to a clean energy transition that will bring the growth of jobs, business and industry to the State. As we consider this input and move forward guided by these key steps, we remain committed to be an example for other states in accelerating advancement of the resources needed to achieve a zero-emission grid.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The timely convening of this group of experts with diverse backgrounds and experience provided an opportunity to discuss and explore promising next generation technologies that can support New York’s ever-growing clean energy economy. These next steps align with investments and priorities we are seeing at the federal level which makes these next steps and strategies critical to successfully leveraging future funding opportunities to continue our progress.”

This work builds on the US Department of Energy “Liftoff” reports, which detail the needs and paths necessary to bring the suite of emission-free energy technologies to commercialization. The Summit also tracks with the recent White House Summit on Domestic Nuclear Deployment held in May that highlighted progress being made across the public and private sectors on how to maintain the use of existing nuclear facilities, deploy new nuclear technologies, streamline the process for responsibly siting new reactors, and build robust supply chains and workforce.

In addition, NYSERDA and DPS-commissioned technology and economic studies are informing and complementing the State’s considerations for future generation energy development to analyze the diverse generation technologies that could play roles in a decarbonized economy. These technology options range from long-duration energy storage technologies to grid-forming inverters and small modular nuclear reactors.

New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, “This summit, convened by Governor Hochul, has focused critical attention on clean energy and economic development. The Department looks forward to partnering with other agencies and other stakeholders on the development of next generation technologies and to further expand renewable energy in New York State.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “As New York promotes the expanded use of renewable energy, Governor Hochul's administration is working to address the challenges facing businesses and the growing energy demands. By organizing this summit to include public and private stakeholders, New York State can better assess its successes and make strategic improvements to ensure that we meet our goals while supporting sustainable economic growth.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Future Energy Economy Summit provided a platform for global industry leaders to explore and discuss the deployment of clean energy generation to achieve a carbon-free economy in New York State. Driven by a commitment to strengthen the state’s efforts, NYPA is advancing renewable energy generation at scale and leveraging its expertise to deploy new technologies that will bolster the resilience of New York’s grid while also reducing the state’s carbon footprint.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “New York State is implementing a comprehensive suite of policies, programs, and investments to help achieve our ambitious goals to reduce climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions, ramp up clean energy sources, and advance climate equity by investing in the communities most impacted by our changing climate. Today, Governor Hochul, State energy leaders, and public and private sector experts from across the country are meeting to bolster that work by charting a path to meet New York’s growing energy demands while we continue to work to achieve a zero-emission electricity system.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Adapting to and planning for climate change and extreme weather’s impact on public health is a priority of the Department of Health. We look forward to hearing from industry leaders and stakeholders on their ideas for utilizing renewable energies that will help protect the health of all New Yorkers.”

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for harnessing the momentum of this innovative summit to advance our leadership in the renewable energy sector. I also thank the many experts and stakeholders for offering us their knowledge and insight so we can continue to strategically grow careers and training opportunities to support New York State’s green economy.”

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the State has taken a number of actions to strengthen energy resiliency, reliability, and affordability to put New York on a path to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Some of these recent actions include approval of energy storage programs to achieve 6 gigawatts (GW) of energy storage by 2030 , launch of a Statewide Solar for All program launch of a Grid of the Future proceeding focused on targeted development of flexible resources to enhance grid resiliency, and continued development of renewable energy technologies, including the recent completion of the South Fork Wind offshore wind farm , the start of construction for Empire Wind 1 and the start of construction of Sunrise Wind.

New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “To transition our entire economy from one that runs on fossil fuels to one that runs on clean energy is the great challenge of our time and one that requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. We applaud Governor Hochul for creating the space for industry leaders, policy experts, and decision makers to join together to envision what’s needed – from technology to regulations to investments – to stave off the worst impacts of climate change and secure a clean energy future for all New Yorkers.”

Alliance for Clean Energy New York Executive Director Marguerite said, “Our state’s Climate Law’s deadlines of 2030 and 2040 are coming fast, and we applaud Governor Hochul on thinking ahead to ensure New York is on a path to 100% emission-free energy. Innovation in existing and new technologies will be key to our future, and New York is poised to once again be a leader in this space.”

New York State Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera said, “Today’s Future Energy Economy Summit has gone a long way in identifying the tools we will need to take our renewable energy program to the next level and further unlock the economic opportunities and family-sustaining union careers it creates. As we continue to pursue green infrastructure projects that push us towards our standard-setting clean energy goals and pave accessible paths to the middle class, it is important that we continue to explore new and effective avenues for deploying these initiatives. We applaud Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for setting the stage for these important conversations and look forward to playing a role in carrying out these next steps that will ultimately improve our environment and the lives of New Yorkers for generations to come.”

Independent Power Producers of New York President & CEO Gavin J. Donohue said, “IPPNY commends the Governor for hosting this important event to further explore the role of next generation technologies that will guide the State’s clean energy future. New York’s generators have always supported a clean energy transition, and our members continue to be ready to invest in new resources as opportunities become available.”

United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada International Representative John Murphy said, “New York stands at a pivotal moment where bold decisions must be made to meet both the energy and employment needs of our state. With the Public Service Commission recognizing new nuclear, clean hydrogen, and thermal energy networks as part of the renewable energy family, we can unlock billions in federal funding to build the infrastructure needed for a clean energy future. The skilled trades are ready to ensure these projects provide good jobs and reliable energy for generations to come, and with Governor Hochul’s leadership, we can seize this opportunity to make real progress.”

Partnership for New York City President and CEO Kathryn Wylde said, “The Governor’s strategy of engaging public and private sector experts to determine how New York can achieve a zero-emission economy is smart and will ensure that New York successfully navigates this transition.”

Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties President Matthew Aracich said, “NYS Governor Kathy Hochul has embarked on a journey that takes us down the path as we strive to attain a Zero Carbon footprint. Embracing the newest Green technologies is the quickest and most effective way to create a sustainable economy and empower the smartest minds we have to offer. Because of the Governor’s leadership in this space, we are confident that as these new technologies commercialize, together we will create good, family-sustaining union careers right here on Long Island and across the State.”

Senior Regional Policy Manager for Clean Air Task Force John Carlson said, “New York continues to lead by embracing the innovative climate technologies and policies we need to decarbonize while meeting growing energy demand. To stay on course, it’s going to take all of us. The strong interest in the Future Energy Economy Summit demonstrates broad stakeholder commitment and excitement in charting a realistic path for New York to achieve its ambitious climate goals. We look forward to continuing this work with policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders for a reliable, affordable, and clean energy system.”

Advanced Energy United Senior Policy Principal Kristina Persaud said, "As New York's energy needs grow, the advanced energy industry is ready and eager to meet the moment. Attending the Future Energy Economy Summit in Syracuse, we heard the message loud and clear that New York sees our industry as a key partner in developing and deploying an array of next-generation advanced energy solutions, so we can ensure electricity reliability and affordability. Advanced Energy United deeply appreciated the opportunity to participate in the event, and we look forward to continued collaboration with NYSERDA."

IBEW International Vice President Dennis Affinati said, “As a major stakeholder in the electrical and energy sectors, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has steadfastly championed an "all-of-the-above" strategy when it comes to realizing New York State's ambitious energy objectives. Investment in next generation technologies will play a critical role in that strategy and we thank NYSERDA for the foresight in bringing industry leaders together to build partnerships and chart the best path forward to that end.”

Boilermakers Local 5 President Kevin O’Brien said, “The Boilermakers are supportive of an 'all of the above' approach for the energy needs of New York State. Boilermakers are committed to continuing to maintain and support new approaches to New York State's carbon free nuclear fleet. The Boilermakers are also looking forward to exploring the unique opportunities offer by both hydrogen and floating wind generation. We look forward to working with other members of the Summit to ensure that New York State has clean and reliable energy.”

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with more than 400 registered and more than 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.