Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $11 million in funding for five clean hydrogen research and development projects in New York State. These projects aim to advance technology designs, reduce costs of hydrogen storage and distribution, explore large-scale storage opportunities, and deploy zero-emission hydrogen-powered transportation. The initiative addresses key barriers to adopting clean hydrogen as a decarbonization solution for industrial processes, hard-to-electrify sectors like transportation, and grid support, contributing to the state’s energy transition.
Governor Hochul emphasized that investments in clean hydrogen will unlock this emerging resource, supporting New York’s goal of an affordable, reliable, and emissions-reduced energy system while boosting the clean energy economy. The projects were selected through the Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research Program administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which funds clean fuel innovation projects that decarbonize industry, integrate clean fuel production with renewables, and enhance grid reliability. Beyond grid support, the projects will reduce emissions of carbon, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, improving public health near transit hubs, industrial corridors, hospitals, and disadvantaged communities.
The five funded projects include: GTI Energy’s $220,000 evaluation of New York’s geological hydrogen storage potential; National Grid Ventures’ $2 million installation of the state’s first 100% hydrogen-fueled linear generator at Northport Power Plant; Plug Power Inc.’s $2 million development of new hydrogen distribution trailers; Stony Brook University’s $4.9 million low-pressure hydrogen storage system at Staten Island University Hospital; and SWITCH Maritime LLC’s $2 million hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry for New York City waterways.
NYSERDA President Doreen M. Harris highlighted the projects as catalysts for development that will lower costs, grow the economy, and integrate clean hydrogen into a diversified energy mix. State and industry leaders noted that these projects advance grid reliability, improve public health, and position New York at the forefront of clean energy innovation. Executives from the participating organizations emphasized the collaborative, science-driven approach and the potential to enhance energy resilience, efficiency, and accessibility for businesses and communities across the state.
The funding builds on NYSERDA’s long-term commitment to clean energy innovation, including over $11 million awarded to 15 clean hydrogen projects since 2023, and broader investments through its Innovation and Research program, which has deployed approximately $1.2 billion over 15 years to support commercialization and research for hundreds of companies and products. The projects are funded through New York’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund, advancing the state’s climate agenda for an affordable, equitable, and emissions-free economy by 2050, while creating family-sustaining jobs, promoting green investments, and directing at least 35% of benefits to disadvantaged communities.
