Alternative Energy Production
Cogeneration (CHP)
Cogeneration systems capture waste heat which can be used to partially or fully satisfy thermal energy needs such as heat, hot water, process steam and even air conditioning. When these thermal needs are met through CHP waste heat, there is less dependence on the combustion of fossil fuel which reduces GHG emissions.
Conventional fossil fuel plants have an efficiency of only about 33%. When NYSERDA offered incentives for CHP, it requires that eligible plants demonstrate at least 60% efficiency. Many projects have achieved even higher efficiency levels while decreasing the need to combust fuel for hot water and space conditioning.
Photovoltaics & Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Photovoltaic power, which utilizes sunlight to create electricity, is strongly endorsed by New York State in its pursuit of reduced GHG emissions. State and Federal incentives to encourage this technology will be reviewed within the master sustainability energy plan.
Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Although battery storage systems do not generate power as do wind and PV or cogeneration and fuel cells, they can enable power providers and consumers to make greater use of intermittent renewables and to store inexpensive power and release it when peaks occur. This flexibility is why storage is receiving priority attention throughout the energy industry. New York State is now taking aggressive action to promote battery storage projects for both the grid and consumers.
Fuel Cells
Fuel cells require natural gas or hydrogen as an input fuel, although commercial applications only use natural gas. They generate electricity through chemical reactions rather than fuel combustion which means GHG emissions are virtually nonexistant. As an added benefit, certain fuel cell technologies allow heat produced from the process to satisfy the thermal energy needs of a site.
