October 9, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $4.4 MILLION FOR SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS
U.S. Department of Energy Awards Hudson Valley Community College and New York City
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the award of $4.4 million for solar energy projects in New York State. Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) received $3.5 million to develop a new solar photovoltaic training facility that will provide critical support for Governor Paterson’s efforts to develop the clean energy workforce. Additionally, New York City received $932,508 to support development of solar electric generation. The awards were made by the U.S. Department of Energy with funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“These awards recognize the important work being done in New York State to develop a more sustainable energy infrastructure that will create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen New York’s energy security,” Governor Paterson said. “The funding announced today builds on the commitment President Obama made during his recent visit to Hudson Valley to support community colleges. As we expand the use of clean energy technologies to establish our State as the global leader in the clean energy economy, we will create thousands of jobs for New Yorkers.”
HVCC will establish a network of instructors that will earn Institute of Sustainable Power (ISP) certification, and develop a solar photovoltaic (PV) training facility that will support future instructor training in the region. This program, to be located at Hudson Valley’s TEC-SMART building at the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park® (STEP®) in Malta, addresses the need for local, high-quality solar installers by offering expert instruction at a first-class training facility. The program builds upon New York’s successful efforts to establish a sustainable clean energy jobs market, which is a key component of Governor Paterson’s New Economy Jobs Plan.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is also funding several HVCC clean energy training projects, including a contract for $150,000 that in 2005 began HVCC’s PV training program, eventually leading to HVCC’s ISP accreditation for their PV program and ISP certification for some of its instructors. More recently, HVCC was awarded $1.25 million through a competitive solicitation to lead a team of seven colleges in establishing PV and geothermal training programs at their schools.
The Smart Solar City Project will address solar technology adaptation barriers in urban areas and support innovative approaches to implement solar projects that can be widely replicated. The New York City Solar American City Initiative (NYCSAC) is a partnership of the City University of New York, the Mayor’s Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation. NYSERDA will support the project through a $175,000 cost-share agreement. These funds will support the widespread development of solar electric generation in New York City and advance clean energy investments across the State.
On Wednesday, Governor Paterson announced that $10 million in ARRA funding is now available through the NYSERDA State Energy Program (SEP) to fund the installation of PV systems across the State. The Governor also announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) is expected to make a formal request for proposals later this year for a 100-megawatt solar initiative, which would increase the State's current installed solar capacity five-fold.
Today’s awards, combined with these broader solar initiatives, will contribute to Governor’s ’45 by 15’ initiative, a goal of meeting 45 percent of the State’s electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and renewable energy by 2015. It is estimated that the expanded use of clean energy technologies will create some 50,000 new jobs in New York. Additionally, the push to increase New York’s renewable energy production is a critical step to help the State achieve the Governor's goal of reducing current greenhouse gas emissions from all sources within the State by 80 percent below levels emitted in 1990 by the year 2050.
The following statements were given in support of the awards for solar energy projects:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “In this economic recovery, investing in solar technology and infrastructure is a smart move because it will create jobs and reduce our reliance on foreign fossil fuels. As President Obama saw first-hand when he visited Hudson Valley Community College, New York State is poised to be a leader in renewable energy and these federal dollars will help us achieve that goal.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “This is a great investment for New York. These federal dollars will help us produce more clean, homegrown sources of energy and create the trained workforce for the jobs of the future - helping to rebuild our economy for the long term. I will continue working with Senator Schumer and the entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke said: “I am very pleased that New York City will receive $932,508 to Support Development of Solar Electric Generation. These funds are vital to creating new jobs as well as providing innovative ways for our city to harness renewable energy. I applaud the Obama Administration for investing more into renewable energies, a sector in our nation in which I believe will open the door to a new era of job creation.”
Congressman Scott Murphy said: “This grant will allow HVCC to continue to expand their impressive array of training programs that are transitioning our region and nation into the 21st century. Their work in innovative new technologies is not only leading our nation towards a cleaner, cheaper energy future, but is building the base right here in Upstate New York for the next generation, innovation economy.”
Congressman Paul Tonko said: “This award recognizes that community colleges like Hudson Valley will play a critical role in training and re-training our workforce for clean energy jobs – a point I stressed to President Obama during his recent visit to our district. I want to congratulate Hudson Valley for striving to deliver a high-quality education that will serve the students and our entire region as we move towards an innovation economy.”
Congressman Ed Towns said: “I am looking forward to the great impact these investments in training, infrastructure, and solar energy innovation will have on New York State's environment and future. Not only will these projects create jobs, but they will also provide more sources for clean, solar energy.”
Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, said: “This continued support of New York’s efforts to create jobs by investing in alternative energy and energy independence is vital to the rebuilding of our economy throughout New York State. In Upstate New York, we have seen a growth in alternative energy industries that we can build on and this federal funding for solar technologies is part of the continuing work by the Legislature and the Governor to help New York emerge from our current financial difficulties with a stronger economy that creates good paying jobs.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray Jr., President said: “I congratulate our colleagues at HVCC and New York City on receiving these funds, which recognize the important work they are doing. These awards are critical investments in deploying the clean energy technologies needed to achieve Governor Paterson’s goals of energy independence. The funding announced today will create jobs needed to help build New York’s clean energy workforce for the future.”
Hudson Valley Community College President Andrew J. Matonak said: “Hudson Valley Community College is pleased to be recognized as an unparalleled institution for providing high-quality technical education and training. This funding further establishes Hudson Valley as a national leader for delivering first-class photovoltaic training programs and allows us to continue our mission of training a green workforce for the 21st century.”
