NYSERDA expands industrial energy efficiency

Metering.com 16 SEPTEMBER 2016

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced $10 million in funding to ensure grid stability through energy efficiency measures.

The funding will be provided to two energy efficiency programmes launched by NYSERDA with the aim of reducing energy consumption and costs in industrial and manufacturing facilities.

In a press statement, the NYSERDA said the capital will fund the On-Site Energy Manager and the Strategic Energy Management programmes.

Energy efficiency benefits

The programmes are designed to help businesses and industries to optimise their operations by reducing energy costs, helping the state achieves a stable grid and carbon emission reduction targets.

NYSERDA is expecting the two projects to save $12.9 million annually. According to NYSERDA, the industrial and manufacturing sector consumes up to 7.4% of the total energy generated in the state.

In addition, the initiatives are anticipated to cut carbon emissions by 1.2 million metric tonnes in 15 years – equivalent to removing 16,800 cars from the road.

Under the On-Site Energy Manager programme, NYSERDA will provide $7 million which will be shared amongst 30 participating businesses and industries. [New York signs energy management deal for commercial buildings]

Participants of the On-Site Energy Manager will use a share of the funding to hire a full-time energy manager who will be responsible to help facilities improve their energy efficiency levels.

NYSERDA and energy efficiency awareness

The Strategic Energy Management project will provide $3 million in funding to energy efficiency pilots currently being implemented at 20 industrial and manufacturing facilities.

In addition, NYSERDA will also provide consultant assistance to help facility operators improve their knowledge on energy conservation.

The funding falls under efforts by the state to meet targets set by the Reforming the Energy Vision programme which seeks to increase adoption of low carbon power generation in New York.

The organisation will also the use programmes to help the state line up with the New York State Clean Energy Standard, which stipulates that 50% of the state’s total power should be generated from renewable energy sources by 2030.

John B. Rhodes, CEO of NYSERDA, said: “Often the best path for an industrial facility to achieve its sustainability goals is to incorporate smarter energy management as an integral element of its continuous work to improve business operations.”

The capital to fund the two projects is part of the state’s 10-year, $5.3 billion Clean Energy Fund which supports clean energy market development and innovation.

Image credit: www.greensavingsco.com.