At the request and in the name of the State, the New York State Atomic and Space Development Authority (ASDA), the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) predecessor, acquired land in the Town of Malta, New York, from the federal government. This property, known as the Malta Test Station, had been used for innovative development and space research activities.
Renaming the site to the Saratoga Research and Development Center, the site continued to be used for various federal space-related and weapons testing work by federal contractors. In 1975 NYSERDA assumed ownership of the property when it was created as ASDA's successor and changed the site's mission to that of energy research and development.
After again looking at the 280-acre site to determine its best use, NYSERDA joined with the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC)
and the University at Albany to form a joint effort to develop the property as a technology park devoted to clean energy, energy efficient, and environmental technologies. Thus, in August 2001, the establishment of the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park (STEP) was announced.
Enabling technologies including energy and environment lead to economic development.
The Vision
STEP and the Capital Region of New York State are becoming internationally known as a knowledge community centered on expertise in clean-energy and environmental technologies. As one of the few business destinations-of-choice in the world for growing companies and products in these industries, STEP has been instrumental in furthering NYSERDA’s economic development mission for New York State and the Capital Region.
The Goals
Within this vision, STEP advances four key goals:
- Help Clean Energy Companies Succeed. Directly and materially advance the success and growth of companies located in STEP.
- Collaborate with STEP Partners. Work collaboratively with partners, including the Center for Economic Growth (CEG)
and Saratoga Economic Development Corporation , in economic development and the development of Luther Forest Technology Campus. - Capital Region and Tech Valley. Be one important component in the broader growth of clean energy and environmental industries in the Capital Region
- New York State. Contribute directly and indirectly to overall growth and success of clean energy and environmental industry segments throughout New York State
Certified Tree Farm
In November 2009, the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park (STEP) was awarded Tree Farmer Certification by the American Tree Farm System® (ATFS). This certification demonstrates NYSERDA’s commitment to a sustainable forest and the responsible management of our woodlands.