Governor Cuomo Announces Plan to Create World-Class Research and
Development Laboratory to Develop Next Generation Electric Grid
Published:
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 - 13:57
Andrew M. Cuomo - Governor
Albany, New York (March 25, 2015)
Largest Such R&D Facility in the World Will Support
Electric System Resiliency and Advance Use of Renewable
Resources
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that the New York Power Authority and SUNY Polytechnic Institute have signed an agreement to create a world-class facility devoted to energy technology innovation and the rapid deployment of smart-grid technology to modernize New York’s electric grid. The facility, to be called the Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy (AGILe) will simulate, develop, test and deploy a more integrated grid.
“By building a world-class research and development facility that is focused on improving New York’s energy infrastructure, we are making a major investment in our state’s future,” Governor Cuomo said. “This facility will cement New York’s position at the cutting-edge of clean energy technology, and create a new generation of high-paying, energy-related tech jobs in the process. I am pleased to see the project moving forward as we continue working to build a stronger and cleaner state for all New Yorkers.”
AGILe will provide a setting for NYPA to pursue its own grid-related R&D and foster research of interest to transmission system operators, utilities, software and hardware manufacturers, government agencies and universities.
The facility would address one of the key recommendations identified by Governor Cuomo’s Energy Highway Task Force, to utilize public-private partnerships to help modernize and enhance New York’s aging energy infrastructure and expedite the commercial development of new technologies. AGILe is also consistent with the Governor’s comprehensive Reforming the Energy Vision plan to revolutionize electric transmission and generation infrastructure while developing a clean, reliable and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers.
In the past, energy research labs have traditionally focused on accommodating the needs of large central power plants delivering electricity over long transmission lines to local utilities. Now, due to advances in technology and cost reductions in small-scale, clean generation, there is a need to reimagine the power system to meet the changing needs of an environmentally sustainable, energy-driven economy.
“The electric utility system is undergoing a revolutionary change and this facility will place New York squarely at the vanguard of this transformation,” Richard Kauffman, Chairman of Energy and Finance, Office of Governor Cuomo said. “Research and development of smart-grid technology will ensure that sophisticated energy solutions are leveraged to harden electric infrastructure against physical and cyber threats, improve the efficient operation of the grid, and accelerate the use of renewable energy resources as we focus on building a cleaner and more affordable energy infrastructure.”
Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA President and CEO, said, “The entire power system is changing at a fast pace, driven by technology and customer expectations. AGILe will represent a quantum leap forward in realizing the full value of central generation & transmission and distributed energy resources. This initiative will demonstrate how ongoing collaboration between academia, government and the private sectors can bring about innovative solutions to complex challenges.”
Alain Kaloyeros, SUNY Polytechnic President, said, “Governor Cuomo continues to position New York State at the forefront of technology innovation and commercialization. Smart grid development is a critical component of the rising technology and energy demands of the 21st century. SUNY Poly is excited to partner with NYPA on AGILe, where our combined expertise in clean and renewable energy, as well as public-private partnerships, will undoubtedly lead to innovative power solutions for future generations, while providing New Yorkers with great employment opportunities."
Newer electrical system technologies, such as advanced transmission system monitoring sensors, increasing electric vehicle stations, and microgrids, need to be tested in an advanced laboratory setting before they can be deployed. By simulating the impact of expected changes to the grid, researchers can better understand the impacts and design system improvements to accommodate these emerging technologies and improve real-time operations. These simulations can lower grid improvement costs and enable a better response to conditions that could threaten power reliability and quality.
Analytical tools will be developed so utilities can readily convert data from grid sensors to rapidly respond to challenges or threats to the grid. AGILe research is also intended to aid utilities in making their transmission and generation operations more efficient and to help integrate renewable energy resources into the power grid.
About Reforming the Energy Vision: Under Governor Cuomo’s strategic Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative, New York State spurs clean energy innovation, brings in new investments, and improves consumer choice while protecting the environment and energizing New York’s economy. New Yorkers will benefit by access to a safe, clean and affordable energy infrastructure that creates jobs and provides economic development.
About the New York Power Authority: NYPA is the nation's largest state public power organization, through the operation of its 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, and LinkedIn.
About SUNY Polytechnic Institute: SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is New York’s globally recognized, high-tech educational ecosystem, formed from the merger of the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and SUNY Institute of Technology. As the world’s most advanced, university-driven research enterprise, SUNY Poly boasts more than $20 billion in high-tech investments, over 300 corporate partners, and maintains a statewide footprint.
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