Innovation & Research
Where energy innovation gets real.
Focus Area: Advanced Fuels & Thermal Energy Research
Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research focuses on innovative solutions to build ecosystems for clean hydrogen and other low-carbon alternative fuels. This includes production, transmission, distribution, storage, and adoption of these fuels to help decarbonize hard-to electrify sectors. Clean hydrogen can be produced using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and nuclear, or from natural gas via steam methine reforming with carbon capture and storage, along with the infrastructure needed for hydrogen transmission, distribution, and storage.
These fuels are particularly important for sectors such as high-temperature industrial processes, heavy-duty transportation, maritime vessels, and aviation.
The Challenge
Advanced fuels and thermal energy storage are critical to decarbonizing high-emission sectors that are challenging to electrify, such as high temperature industrial operations, heavy-duty transportation (including on-road and off-road vehicles), maritime and aviation vessels, and district heating. In addition, as New York State continues to build more renewable energy resources, they will provide necessary load support and firm capacity to maintain grid reliability. New York State generates a substantial amount of waste, ranging from landfills to industrial CO₂ emissions. Converting waste streams into alternative fuels will not only offer a reliable, low-carbon solution to transition away from fossil fuels, but also reduce emissions to make communities healthier for all New Yorkers.
The Solutions
Advanced Fuels & Thermal Energy Research: Areas of Innovation
Clean Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen made from renewables or with carbon capture.
Alternative Fuel Applications
Use of hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels in transportation, heating, and industry.
Gas System Innovation
Safer, more efficient, and lower-carbon gas infrastructure.
Hydrogen Infrastructure
Transmission, distribution, and storage systems.
Waste & Synthetic Fuels
Fuels produced from waste or renewable sources, such as green ammonia or renewable diesel.
Thermal Energy Storage
Advanced storage to support grid reliability.
Innovators at Work
What started as university research in turning carbon dioxide and mining byproducts into valuable industrial materials is now proving scalable through a NYSERDA Innovation & Research-supported demonstration project in Upstate New York. Travertine’s story is a testament to how advanced science, entrepreneurial leadership, local partnerships, and NYSERDA as an actively involved partner are leading the way to what's next in energy innovation in New York State.
Working with NYSERDA Innovation & Research
Whether you’re creating a new technology or preparing to scale, NYSERDA Innovation & Research offers specialized pathways. Innovators can participate in one, or more programmatic areas:
Funding Opportunities
NYSERDA frequently has Innovation-related funding opportunities available. View the latest list below:
Commercialization Support
Get from lab to market with NYSERDA’s Commercialization Program. Nearly 300 clean energy products have been commercialized through the program. Commercialization includes collaborations with strategic partners, who work with innovators to scale solutions and bring them to market.
For information on the Commercialization Program and to find the partner that’s right for you, visit the program page below.
Learn More About Fueling the Future
Whether you’re developing a breakthrough idea or scaling a proven solution, NYSERDA Innovation is here to help turn potential into impact.