New Energy New York (NENY) and NY-BEST

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Consulting

Communications, Community & Public Relations

Energy Trading & Forecasting

EPC Services

Civil Engineering/Construction

Commissioning Services

Decommissioning Services

Electrical Engineering (incl. interconnection and balance of plant integration)

Field Engineering & Installation

Project Design/Engineering

Finance

Fire Safety (Engineering/Consulting, Investigations, Root Cause Analysis)

Independent 3^rd Party Audit or Evaluation Service

Legal Services

General Legal Services

Tax & Incentives

Transactions (PPA, ESA)

Logistics

Maintenance

Manufacturing/Process System Design

Modeling

Operations

Political Affairs & Public Affairs

Product Design

Product Prototyping

Project Development

Project Management

Recycling

Research & Development

Security Systems

Siting & Permitting Consulting

System Integration & ESS Design

Telecommunications

Testing & Evaluation

NY-BEST is seeking proposals to support the Supply Chain Program through acquiring the services of qualified firm (Contractor) with expertise in online database design and creation to produce a web-based resource to allow companies and interested parties to search for  companies and entities located in the State of New York currently engaged in producing materials, components, and sub-assemblies and/or performing services in support of production, deployment and reuse/recycling of batteries, battery modules and packs, and energy storage systems. The intended work product is a web-based resource that will provide easy access for companies and entities wishing to supply their information for inclusion in the database,  and further to allow for quick and efficient searches that will result in meaningful, easily-filtered and sortable results to be used to identify supplier companies to fill needs across the supply chain. This database will include companies with a presence in New York that are engaged in producing materials, components, and sub-assemblies and/or performing services in support of production of batteries, battery modules and packs, and energy storage systems. 

Outline of NENY Efforts Relative to NYS Supply Chain Development

The Supply Chain Program will leverage NENY coalition partner assets, NY-BEST industry expertise, and the Southern Tier of New York’s status as an emerging clean energy technology hub to strengthen the connectivity and resiliency of the US domestic battery supply chain, while providing economic opportunity and growth to the Southern Tier of New York. The program will pursue a variety of strategic activities detailed below to drive these outcomes. It will support and expand the New York energy storage ecosystem, establish supplier qualification resources, and launch an online supply chain resource. By promoting new and expanded operations, supporting and connecting existing manufacturers, attracting new business operations and private sector investments to the region, enhancing the profile of the region, and both creating and retaining blue- green- and white-collar energy storage jobs, the NENY Supply Chain Program will position the Southern Tier as an international leader in the energy storage industry. 

The Contractor will be supported in its work by staff at NY-BEST and the Partners.  

Contractor Deliverables

1. The Contractor shall engage with NY-BEST and the Partners to fully define all desired functionality and overall design considerations for the website and database. Access to the website will be integrated to both the NY-BEST current website (www.ny-best.org) and to the New Energy New York website (www.newenergynewyork.com).

    

2. In consultation with NY-BEST and the Partners, the Contractor shall propose a database tool suitable for operating as the back-end repository for required data fields for supply chain companies, products, contact information and other relevant identifiers.

    

3. The Contractor shall create and deploy a database tool that:
   1. Provides both a back-end and web enabled front-end
   2. create a user-friendly data-entry interface based on predetermined guidelines;
   3. provides users with easy-to-use search functionality that includes, at a minimum:

      i) product/service types (with subcategories) ii) standards/certifications achieved 

      1. location
      2. MWBE qualification
      3. other characteristics as warranted
   4. develop 5-8 reporting templates, and the ability for NY-BEST to define additional reports;
   5. respond to feedback from key staff;
   6. instruct key staff on the use and maintenance of the system.

       

4. Test functionality of the site and database from a user/supply chain company perspective and that of the NY-BEST and Partners for search, reporting, data maintenance and ease of use.

    

5. Ensure compliance with best practices for cyber security.

    

6. Provide support services and site maintenance for 6 months post-delivery of the website and database.

The Consultant will be expected to attend and participate in organizational meetings and may be asked to provide materials to support presentations about the supply chain database resource at industry forums including NY-BEST’s annual “Capture the Energy” conference and/or the NYBEST Fall Technology and Innovation Conference.

Timing. NY-BEST desires the completion of deliverables 1-5 above by May 30, 2023.

Nature of the Engagement

NY-BEST will engage the Consultant to perform the tasks outlined in this RFP.  The engagement will be for a fixed fee not to exceed $200,000.  The engagement will be a subcontract to NYBEST’s subaward with Binghamton University, as agent for the U.S. Economic Development Agency and subject to such representations and other undertakings as federal contract law may require.  

Response to this RFP

In order to respond to this Request for Proposal, potential contractors are requested to submit a written response, not to exceed 10 pages in length, outlining the following items:

1. A summary of your experience in web portal/database development with examples/links to your prior related work.
2. Proposed project staffing, including number and experience of staff assigned to the project and anticipated amount of time to be spent by each staff member.
3. Total anticipated project cost (not to exceed $200,000).
4. Proposed project plan and deliverables.
5. Proposed schedule of milestone payments to the Contractor as the tasks set forth in this RFP are completed.
6. A plan for engaging with the Partner organizations to ensure creation and deployment of a web-based portal and accompanying database tool that meets performance requirements, is easy to useand navigate for supply chain companies, NY-BEST and the Partners.
7. Disclosure of any conflicts of interest that may arise in connection with your performance of the indicated tasks.

Responses to this Request for Proposal are due in writing by January 18, 2023, and must be sent by e-mail to: RFP Response Submissions (Online Database).  Questions about this Request for Proposal may be directed to John Cerveny, Senior Director and Program Manager, NY-BEST at jcerveny@ny-best.org.

Evaluation Criteria

NY-BEST is seeking to hire one company to provide all of the services listed above. Following receipt and review of the proposals by NY-BEST, selected firm(s) may be invited to an interview with NY-BEST and make presentations of their proposed solution. The decision to interview the respondents will be solely at the discretion of NY-BEST based on evaluation of each respondent's proposal. NY-BEST reserves the right to reject any and all responses. 

While NY-BEST may conduct interviews to select among the final candidates, it is not NYBEST’s intent to seek extensive clarification of the proposals received. Therefore, it is to the benefit of the respondent to provide an explicit, detailed, and complete discussion of the work in the proposal. 

The successful firm will be chosen through a qualitative review of the following criteria: 

1. Respondent’s knowledge, expertise and experience in the planning, project management and execution of the services for which they are responding.
2. Experience and past performance.
3. Capability of proposed solution.
4. Value of services
5. Cost of services provided

NY-BEST expects to award a contract pursuant to this RFP by not later than January 27, 2023.  Finalists will be notified by January 23, 2023, and may be invited to make a virtual, oral presentation to answer questions and/or provide additional information on the submission.

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NY-BEST Applauds Governor Hochul’s

Energy Storage Initiatives in 2022 State of the State Address

(Albany, NEW YORK, January 5, 2022) – The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) today applauded New York State Governor Kathy Hochul for her vision and leadership in addressing climate change and recognizing energy storage as a key enabling technology for achieving the State’s climate, clean energy and economic growth goals.

“NY-BEST applauds Governor Hochul for her visionary leadership in establishing an ambitious agenda that embraces the role of energy storage as an essential technology to achieve the State’s nation-leading climate and clean energy goals and to grow our economy. We look forward to working with the Governor, the Legislature, State agencies, our members, partners and stakeholders to fully realize the Governor’s vision outlined today.” said William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST.

In her 2022 State of the State address, Governor Hochul established a strong agenda for growing the State’s clean energy economy and called for several specific actions important to advancing energy storage technologies in the state, including 1) Creation of a world-class battery research and manufacturing center at Binghamton University; 2) Doubling the State’s energy storage deployment goals from 3 GW to at least 6 Gigawatts by 2030 and establishing a roadmap to achieve the new goal; 3) Establishing New York State a Green Hydrogen Hub; and 4) Investing $1 billion to support Electric Vehicle adoption and infrastructure.

NY-BEST has been actively engaged in the State’s Climate Action Council and its Power Generation Advisory Panel. In that role, NY-BEST has advocated for increasing the State’s energy storage deployment goal from 3 GW by 2030 to at least 6 GW, along with creating a new Roadmap and funding mechanisms for energy storage, to support the State’s renewable energy and zero emission energy goals. NY-BEST has also called for additional investments in green hydrogen and long-duration energy storage as important technologies for achieving a zero-emission grid and eliminating our reliance on fossil-fueled generation.

NY-BEST has also been working with our founding member, Binghamton University and NY-BEST Board member and Noble Laureate, Dr. M. Stanley Whittingham to establish world-class battery research and manufacturing center at the University. NY-BEST is proud to support the new Center which will advance new battery technology development, manufacturing and support workforce development in this rapidly growing industry.

Energy storage is a key enabling technology to modernize the State’s electric grid with clean renewable energy resources. Storage provides flexible, reliable power that produces no greenhouse gas or harmful air emissions. Pairing storage with renewable energy, like wind and solar power, allows the energy that is generated when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing to be stored for use at a later time. In this way, storage helps balance supply and demand, reduces pressure on the electric grid at peak demand times, and makes the electric grid system more flexible, efficient and resilient. Energy storage also has the ability to rapidly respond to fluctuating demands for electricity, helping to stabilize the grid and ensure system reliability.

Batteries and energy storage are similarly critical to modernizing the State’s transportation system and reducing reliance on fossil-fueled powered vehicles. Electrifying transportation will be essential to achieving the significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed to protect the planet.

About NY-BEST

The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) Consortium is a non-profit corporation and industry-led consortium with more than 185 organizational members. NY-BEST’s mission is to catalyze and grow the energy storage industry and establish New York State as a global leader in the energy storage industry. Visit us on the web at www.ny-best.org

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Contact: Denise Sheehan, NY-BEST

Phone: (518)463-8644 (office), (518)429-6924 (mobile)

Email: denise@caphill.com

Click here to view PDF

Study Finds Energy Storage Can Save Long Island Electric Customers

$390 million over the Next Decade

Replacing 2,300MW of Fossil-Fueled Peaker Power Plants with Energy Storage by 2030 can save customers money, maintain electric grid reliability and reduce air pollution

(Albany, NEW YORK, October 28, 2020) – A new study released by the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST), in partnership with the consulting firm, Strategen, finds that more than 2,300 MW of fossil fueled “peaking” power plants on Long Island can be cost-effectively replaced with energy storage over the next decade, saving Long Island customers more than $390 million over the next ten years and significantly reducing harmful air pollutants.

The study, conducted by Strategen, examined the operations of Long Island’s aging fleet of fossil-fueled “peaker” plants, those power plants that operate primarily only during high demand or “peak” times. The analysis shows that it is technically feasible and cost-effective to replace more than 2,300 MW of Long Island’s 4,300 MW fossil-fueled peaker plants with energy storage over the next decade. It also finds that approximately half of the peaker plants, around 1,100 MW, could be retired and replaced with energy storage by 2023. The remaining 1,200 MW could be replaced by 2030, in conjunction with New York State’s plans to increase solar energy, energy efficiency measures, and offshore wind resources.

“Replacing Long Island’s oldest, least efficient, and most polluting fossil-fueled peaker plants today with lower cost, emission-free energy storage is a no-regrets solution for the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), PSEG Long Island, Long Island electric customers, the environment, and the State of New York, said Dr. William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST. “As we work to achieve New York’s nation-leading and mandated goals for a carbon-free electric grid by 2040, energy storage is an essential proven technology that will enable renewable energy, maintain reliability, reduce emissions and provide a resilient electric grid.”  

As part of New York State’s commitment to halting climate change, the State has mandated a carbon-free grid by 2040. The study released today examines the cost-effectiveness of retiring Long Island’s aging and inefficient fossil-fueled peaker fleet and replacing it with energy storage, a “low-hanging fruit” in the Island’s energy transition. The analysis shows that replacing the aged, polluting peaker fleet will reduce energy costs, create jobs, build a more resilient power system, and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in communities across Long Island, including Potential Environmental Justice Areas.

Long Island is home to 26 fossil-fueled power plants, composed of 74 individual turbine units, that seldom operate yet impose significant costs on Long Island electric customers. Of LIPA’s portfolio of 5,667 MW of fossil-fueled generators, 4,357 MW are “peaker plants” that operate at an annual capacity factor of 15% or less (i.e., roughly 15% of the time). 

To maintain these peakers, LIPA customers pay an estimated $473 million annually in capacity costs, almost three times the market rate for capacity resources cleared through NYISO’s competitive markets.

Retiring and replacing these aging assets has the potential to create $10.5 million of annual savings in 2021, growing to $150 million annually in 2030. Over the next decade, fossil peaker replacements could save LIPA customers as much as $393 million, representing savings of approximately $360 per household across LIPA’s 1.1 million customers.

“This important and timely study demonstrates the significant potential and cost savings for energy storage on Long Island as we transition to 100% zero-carbon electricity,” said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island. “The findings make it clear that we can take steps today to replace many of Long Island’s antiquated and polluting fossil-fueled power plants with energy storage while saving consumers money.”

"This groundbreaking study shows that, over the next decade, fossil-fuel peakers on Long Island can reliably be replaced by cleaner and cheaper battery storage, along with renewables and efficiency investments,” said Lewis Milford, president of Clean Energy Group, a national nonprofit that works on peaker replacement issues. “In addition to its importance in this New York region, this study gives other cities and states a good roadmap on how to replace the hundreds of dirty, expensive fossil-fuel peakers that now pollute environmental justice communities in other parts of the country.”

“Fossil-fueled peaker plants are dirty, expensive and disproportionately harm environmental justice communities. This study shows what we’ve long known to be true – New York can replace its pollution-emitting peaker plants with emissions-free energy storage while saving consumers money. It’s a win-win. Achieving New York’s nation-leading climate goals requires that we go all-in on clean energy solutions, and fast. Scaling-up energy storage must be part of New York’s climate strategy – not only on Long Island, but all across the state,” said Chris Casey, Senior Attorney at NRDC.

The full Report can be viewed here.

About NY-BEST

The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) Consortium is a non-profit corporation and industry-led consortium with more than 185 organizational members. NY-BEST’s mission is to catalyze and grow the energy storage industry and establish New York State as a global leader in the energy storage industry. Learn more at www.ny-best.org

About Strategen

Strategen is a strategic advisory firm that provides insight to utilities, public sector leaders, research institutions and global corporations, helping them to develop impactful and sustainable clean energy strategies. Strategen specializes in providing independent analysis and regulatory support to help clients navigate some of the energy sector’s most pressing issues.www.strategen.com

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Media Contacts:

Study Finds Valuable Role for Energy Storage and Demand Response in Providing Reliability for New York’s Electric Grid. Value increases as renewable energy is added to the electric grid.

Public Service Commission Order Adopting The New York Energy Storage Roadmap

(Albany, NEW YORK) The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) today issued the following statement from Dr. William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST:   “NY-BEST applauds the Public Service Commission for its action today to establish an Energy Storage Roadmap for New York, codifying Governor Cuomo’s 1,500 MW energy storage target by 2025 and establishing a nation-leading 3 GW by 2030 energy storage deployment goal. The Roadmap’s new market bridge incentive program will jumpstart energy storage deployments in the state and we look forward to working with the Commission and NYSERDA on this program, as well as the Roadmap’s other ground-breaking initiatives, to unleash the benefits of energy storage for New York’s electric grid, economy and the environment,” said Dr. William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST.   “Governor Cuomo’s leadership in energy has secured New York State’s role as a leader in clean energy and energy storage. NY-BEST greatly appreciates that Governor Cuomo has acknowledged the important role that energy storage technologies can play in modernizing and upgrading our electric grid, strengthening the resilience of our vital infrastructure and growing our economy.”     About NY-BEST The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) Consortium is a non-profit corporation established in 2010 to position New York State as a global leader in energy storage technology including applications in transportation, grid storage, and power electronics. An industry-led consortium with more than 160 organizational members, NY-BEST’s mission is to catalyze and grow the energy storage industry and establish New York State as a global leader in energy storage. Visit us on the web at www.ny-best.org.   ###   Contact: Denise Sheehan, NY-BEST Phone: (518) 463-8644 (office), (518) 429-6924 (mobile) Email: denise@caphill.com  

Report offers strategies for the Empire State to grow energy storage ecosystem to create more than 27,400 jobs and keep economic benefits local   ALBANY, N.Y. – Bolstering manufacturing and growing a robust energy storage ecosystem is crucial for New Yorkers to capture the economic benefits of the state’s energy storage deployment goals, reveals a report out today from the American Jobs Project in partnership with the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST). The report, The New York Jobs Project: A Guide to Creating Jobs in Energy Storage, which comes out in advance of the Public Service Commission’s order on the New York State Energy Storage Roadmap, offers policy recommendations to elevate local manufacturers and create good-paying jobs as the state boosts deployment.   “As New York works to scale energy storage deployment, the choices we make now will shape how we grow this sector,” said William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST. “The New York Jobs Project aims to help stakeholders consider how we can cultivate an energy storage ecosystem that ensures the jobs associated with the state’s deployment targets benefit New Yorkers. That means leveraging the state’s cutting-edge research, supporting local manufacturers, and preparing a skilled workforce.”   Energy storage is the key to achieving a resilient, secure, and carbon-free energy future. Currently a $11.8 billion global market, it is estimated to grow 8.4 percent each year through 2022. Together with New York’s progressive energy storage deployment policies, today’s report finds New York is well positioned to grow its global leadership in innovation and establish itself as a manufacturing force for the energy storage industry. With the right partnerships and policies, the report reveals energy storage could strengthen the state’s labor market and create manufacturing jobs, a sector that has continued to shrink since the Great Recession.   “Amplifying the role of local manufacturing in New York’s energy storage industry could provide stable employment for thousands of middle-class workers while creating follow-on benefits for the broader labor market,” said Kate Ringness, Managing Director of the American Jobs Project and co-author of the report. “New York’s leaders are creating strong policies to ensure there will be local demand for energy storage. We want to support these efforts by ensuring a healthy ecosystem that supports local job creation in manufacturing, as well as deployment.”   Based on stakeholder interviews and extensive research, The New York Jobs Project finds:   The energy storage industry could support more than 27,400 manufacturing and installation jobs for New Yorkers by 2030, backing the state’s 30,000 jobs target. The Empire State is home to nearly 100 energy storage companies with expertise in hardware manufacturing, advanced materials, software development, and project management. New York excels at fundamental energy storage research and ranks fifth in the nation for energy storage patents due to the depth of research across its universities, national lab, and businesses. Clean energy innovation is supported by statewide business/technology development resources from NYSERDA, Empire State Development, and NY-BEST. New York’s clean energy leadership, marked by ambitious statewide goals and collaborative stakeholder efforts, present a clear mandate to catalyze energy storage deployment.   The report provides tailored strategies that take advantage of this economic opportunity and build up critical assets for industry growth in New York, including the innovation ecosystem, access to capital, workforce development, and value chain. Recommendations include:   Establishing an innovation voucher program to enable small business access to New York’s state-of-the-art energy storage product development and testing facilities; Hosting industry-specific investor education events to help investors better evaluate the value proposition of energy storage businesses; Expanding integrated basic education and skills training at community colleges to prepare workers for jobs in the growing energy storage industry; Developing an energy storage job board to build career awareness and serve as a resource for local businesses, jobseekers, training providers, employment agencies, and policymakers; and Mapping the local energy storage supply chain and coordinating foreign direct investment outreach to fill critical gaps and attract new jobs and capital to the state.   Visit the American Jobs Project website to read the report.   ###   American Jobs Project The American Jobs Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, think-and-do tank focused on creating good-paying jobs in advanced energy and manufacturing through bottom-up, data-driven, 360° economic development. Our experts tailor best practice strategies for bolstering advanced energy and manufacturing, identify assets across the value chain, estimate an industry’s job-supporting potential, and support stakeholder-led initiatives by communicating ideas and analyses. Through engagement with a broad cross-section of stakeholders, we develop a shared vision of effective strategies to leverage the unique competitive advantages offered by each state and generate positive economic impacts.   New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) NY-BEST was incorporated in January 2010 as a not-for-profit corporation to position New York State as a global leader in energy storage. Since its formation, NY-BEST has become a well-known, well-respected, and effective industry association. Headquartered in New York’s Capital Region, NY-BEST brings together industry, university, and government partners. NY-BEST’s 150+ member organizations represent all facets of the energy and energy storage industries and span New York State and beyond. Members include companies ranging from small entrepreneurial ventures to large global corporations, as well as leading research universities and government partner organizations. Approximately half of NY-BEST member organizations are small businesses.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Statement from NY-BEST Executive Director Dr. William Acker (Albany, NEW YORK, June 21, 2018) – The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) today applauded the release of the New York Energy Storage Roadmap which charts the course to achieving Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s 1,500 MW energy storage deployment target by 2025.   The following statement was issued by Dr. William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST: “The New York Energy Storage Roadmap represents a major step toward realizing the State’s 1,500 MW storage deployment target by 2025, harnessing the benefits that energy storage can provide to the electric grid while also creating a robust market and thousands of new jobs for New York’s economy. “The Energy Storage Roadmap illustrates what NY-BEST and our members have long recognized: energy storage is critical to modernizing New York’s electric grid, improving grid resilience, enabling renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel generation, while also providing real benefits for ratepayers and producing environmental and economic benefits for the State. The recommendations and investments included in the Roadmap, once implemented, will accelerate deployment of energy storage resources on the electric grid and ensure that the State realizes the numerous benefits energy storage provides. “Energy storage provides flexible, reliable power that produces no greenhouse gas or harmful air emissions. By pairing storage with renewable energy sources, like wind and solar power, the energy that is generated when the sun is shining, and the wind is blowing can be stored for use at a later time. In this way, storage supports the State’s renewable energy goal of achieving 50 percent renewable energy by 2030. Energy storage also helps balance supply and demand, reduces pressure on the electric grid at peak demand times, and makes the electric grid system more flexible, efficient and resilient. Energy storage also can rapidly respond to fluctuating demands for electricity, helping to stabilize the grid and ensure system reliability. “NY-BEST and our members look forward to working with our State partners to implement the Roadmap actions and build a premier energy storage sector in New York.” About NY-BEST The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) Consortium is a non-profit corporation and industry-led consortium with more than 160 organizational members. NY-BEST’s mission is to catalyze and grow the energy storage industry and establish New York State as a global leader in the energy storage industry. Visit us on the web at www.ny-best.org ###     Contact: Denise Sheehan, NY-BEST Phone: (518)463-8644 (office), (518)429-6924 (mobile) Email: denise@caphill.com      

NY-BEST applauds Governor Cuomo's leadership in establishing a 1500 MW target for energy storage by 2025.

Legislation requires establishment of a statewide energy storage goal for 2030.

EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING OF KODAK CELL ASSEMBLY CENTER AT EASTMAN BUSINESS PARK   New Center Expands Rochester Region Resources for Development and Manufacturing of Innovative Batteries and Other Energy Storage Technologies Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy   Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the opening of the Kodak Cell Assembly Center at Eastman Business Park (EBP) in Rochester, Monroe County. The Kodak Cell Assembly Center, created in partnership with the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST), is a valuable addition to the Finger Lakes region’s product development and manufacturing resources for advanced batteries and energy storage devices. The project will result in the creation of at least nine direct jobs by 2019, while adding valuable new capabilities at EBP and helping to attract more new business to the 1,200-acre campus and the Finger Lakes Region.    Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “The Kodak Cell Assembly Center further establishes New York State, and the Finger Lakes in particular, as a world-class hub for the energy storage technology industry. The partnership with NY-BEST will help to provide valuable resources to the companies, researchers and entrepreneurs working to innovate and improve energy storage and advanced battery technologies.”   The Kodak Cell Assembly Center (the Center) completes an ecosystem of three core processes for energy storage manufacturing, providing coating, assembly, and testing all in one location. The facility allows for design and development from small to large-scales. This energy storage hub will serve to support New York State goals for sustainable energy, which require new energy storage solutions such as solar and wind power.    President of Eastman Business Park and Corporate Real Estate, Dolores Kruchten, said, “Opening the Kodak Cell Assembly Center will improve the success rate of energy storage companies.  The cooperative relationship we have built for energy storage, with Kodak Coating Services, the new Kodak Cell Assembly Center and DNV-GL and NY-BEST with the BEST Test and Commercialization Center is a game-changer for development and innovation. We make it possible to do coating, assembly, and testing all in one location for the first time.” NY-BEST Executive Director William Acker said, “The energy storage industry is growing exponentially and the new Cell Assembly Center, when combined with New York’s existing state-of-the-art facilities for battery development, prototyping and commercialization, will further strengthen New York’s ability to attract and grow energy storage companies in New York.” The Center will include two multi-user battery cell assembly lines to provide pilot manufacturing services to battery and energy storage companies.  The effort will complement electrode development and product capabilities and expertise at Kodak Coating Services; as well as NY-BEST’s Test and Commercialization Center, a battery cell commercialization and testing center located in the same building at EBP, and the Battery Prototyping Center located nearby at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Kodak, NY-BEST and RIT work together to provide the tools and resources necessary for companies to develop, test and commercialize new batteries, ultracapacitors and energy storage products. Empire State Development is supporting the partnership through a $1.2 million Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant. The total cost for the innovative, collaborative endeavor is $5.9 million. Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Wegmans Food Markets Chairman Danny Wegman and Monroe Community College President Anne Kress said, “The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council is focusing on these types of partnerships which we believe will translate into next generation scientific discoveries. This effort will harness the expertise of private and research companies as well as local universities. Together, they will work to create the next generation of innovative products, driving the regional economy, creating jobs.” The energy storage industry is growing rapidly in New York State. In January of 2017, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced 30 percent job growth in New York’s energy storage industry over four years, bringing employment in the industry to 3,900. The state’s energy storage industry’s annual global revenues grew 50 percent to $906 million between 2012 and 2015. According to NYSERDA, by 2030, the energy storage industry could realize annual global revenues between $5.6 and $8.7 billion with total job growth between 17,300 and 26,800 employees. NYSERDA President and CEO Alicia Barton said, “New York is already at the forefront of driving innovation and commercialization in the energy storage industry. The new Kodak Cell Assembly Center builds on this momentum and will accelerate our ability to meet Governor’s Cuomo’s nation-leading clean energy goals with technologies that are made in New York.” State Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle said, “Today marks yet another important and exciting development in the rebirth of the Eastman Business Park. The Kodak Cell Assembly Center will strengthen Rochester’s position as a global leader in innovative energy technology development and further bolster our region’s economic resurgence. I applaud the Governor, my colleagues on the Regional Economic Development Council and all of our local partners for coming together in support of this project.” State Senator Joe Robach said, "Today’s grand opening of the Kodak Cell Assembly Center at Eastman Business Park is great news for Eastman Business Park, Rochester and our community as a whole. While this project will create new jobs, it will also make Eastman Business Park a more attractive and suitable location for businesses from around the country and world to call home. This is just another great example of how Eastman Business Park and Rochester are once again on forefront of innovation." County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo said, "I am proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Kodak Cell Assembly Center which further enhances our region’s reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing. Most important, this new facility will create high-skilled jobs for our local residents. Thank you to all public and private partners involved in this project for making the vision of a high-tech, highly-skilled greater Rochester area workforce a reality." Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said, “Today’s announcement shows that Kodak has never given up on Rochester, and Rochester will never give up on Kodak. The opening of the Kodak Cell Assembly Center further establishes our city and Eastman Business Park as hubs of innovation, manufacturing and job creation. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo, Empire State Development and NY-BEST for commitment to this project and helping Rochester provide more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for its residents.” Eastman Business Park is a 1,200-acre research, development and manufacturing campus with over 16 million square feet of multi-scale manufacturing, distribution, lab and office space. There are 100 companies onsite employing over 6,600 people, many of them responsible for the development of our nation’s next generation technologies in the areas of Energy Storage, Chemical Manufacturing, Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing and Photonics. Supporting EBP and growing a comprehensive battery and energy storage hub in the region are top priorities for the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and the Finger Lakes Forward strategic economic plan. For additional information about NY-BEST, click here. For additional information about Kodak, click here.     Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward   Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $5.2 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs.

NY-BEST Applauds the NYS Legislature for Unanimous Passage of Energy Storage Deployment Bill Legislation recognizes the important role for energy storage in modernizing New York’s electric grid (Albany, NEW YORK, June 22, 2017) – The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) today applauded the New York State Legislature for its unanimous passage of The Energy Storage Deployment Program bill.  The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and Senator Joseph Griffo, provides a regulatory framework for the Public Service Commission to establish an energy storage deployment program. “NY-BEST and our members in the energy storage industry are extremely grateful to Senator Griffo and Assemblywoman Paulin for their leadership and to the entire New York State Legislature for their strong support of energy storage, as evidenced by the Legislature’s unanimous passage of this bill,” said Dr. William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST, “Energy storage has an important role to play in modernizing New York’s electric grid, providing real benefits for ratepayers and producing environmental and economic benefits for the state. This legislation will help accelerate deployment of important storage resources on the state’s electric grid.” The bill would require the Public Service Commission to establish a target amount of energy storage to be deployed in New York through 2030 and to create programs that will enable the State to meet the target. It will next go to Governor Andrew Cuomo for his action. “Energy storage plays an important role in creating a more efficient, cost-effective and reliable electric grid system. Energy storage technologies, such as advanced batteries, are being developed right here in New York State and this legislation will help deploy these technologies on New York’s electric grid, creating new jobs and supporting the State's economy," said Senator Joseph Griffo. “Expanding energy storage is critical for New York to meet its goals by enabling renewable energy to be used continuously, reducing the need for energy produced using fossil fuels,” Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said, “Storage also increases the resiliency of the electric grid by supplying power in the event of an electrical outage. The creation of an energy storage deployment program will increase the installation of energy storage systems throughout the state and accelerate these benefits.” The legislation aligns with New York State’s Clean Energy Standard, which mandates that 50 percent of the State’s energy come from renewable sources by 2030, and the State’s Reforming the Energy Vision initiative which seeks to create a cleaner, more affordable and resilient grid through the increased use of distributed energy resources, such as solar and energy storage. Energy storage provides flexible, reliable power that produces no greenhouse gas or harmful air emissions. Pairing storage with renewable energy like wind and solar power allows the energy that is generated when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing to be stored for use at a later time. In this way, storage helps balance supply and demand, reduces pressure on the electric grid at peak demand times, and makes the electric grid system more flexible, efficient and resilient.  Energy storage also has the ability to rapidly respond to fluctuating demands for electricity, helping to stabilize the grid and ensure system reliability. The global energy storage sector is growing rapidly and the State is beginning to experience some of that growth. A recent report by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority found that the number of jobs in New York’s storage industry grew by 1,000 between 2012 and 2015, a 30 percent increase.  The report also noted that job growth in New York could grow to nearly 27,000 jobs by 2030, assuming favorable policy and regulatory programs are in place. Earlier this year NY-BEST and Strategen Consulting released a study showing that energy storage, along with a portfolio of other clean energy sources, can fill the expected capacity gap when Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant closes, producing savings for customers and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That Study can be viewed here:  https://www.strategen.com/new-blog/2017/5/8/indian-point-replacement-options About NY-BEST The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) Consortium is a non-profit corporation and industry-led consortium with more than 150 organizational members. NY-BEST’s mission is to catalyze and grow the energy storage industry and establish New York State as a global leader in the energy storage industry. Visit us on the web at www.ny-best.org ###     Contact: Denise Sheehan, NY-BEST Phone: (518)463-8644 (office), (518)429-6924 (mobile) Email: denise@caphill.com  

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Study Finds Key Role for Energy Storage in Replacing Indian Point Nuclear Plant  Energy storage can produce $315 million in savings for customers over 5 years (Albany, NEW YORK, May 8, 2017) – A new study released by the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST), in partnership with Strategen Consulting, shows that energy storage, along with a portfolio of other clean energy sources, can replace the 2,000 megawatt Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, produce savings for customers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study, performed by Strategen Consulting, illustrates that 450 megawatts of energy storage -- in combination with additional wind, solar, and energy efficiency -- can help fill the gaps created by the closure of Indian Point while saving New Yorkers money. The analysis projects an estimated $315 million in savings from energy storage over a five-year period to customers when compared to other more traditional power replacement options. “As plans are being developed to replace the 2,000 megawatts of power provided by Indian Point, New York has an opportunity to eschew the conventional fossil-fueled energy sources of the past and embrace clean renewable energy technologies, coupled with energy storage, to meet our energy needs, achieve our environmental goals and grow the number of high-tech jobs across the state,” said Dr. William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST. In January 2017, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that under a settlement with Entergy, the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant will close by April 2021. The plant, located 25 miles north of New York City, provides 2,000 megawatts of energy to the metro New York area. Under Governor Cuomo, New York State has also established a Clean Energy Standard requiring that 50 percent of the State’s energy come from renewable energy sources by 2030 and has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. "New York's situation closely mirrors California's recent experience when a major nuclear plant was retired near Los Angeles. Rather than relying exclusively on traditional replacement options like natural gas, California turned to clean energy resources such as energy storage. New York has the opportunity to do the same and benefit from another state's experience," said Ed Burgess, Senior Manager at Strategen Consulting. Energy storage, when combined with renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, provides flexible, reliable power that produces no greenhouse gas emissions. Pairing storage with renewable energy allows the energy that is generated when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing to be stored for use at a later time. In this way, storage helps balance supply and demand, reduces pressure on the electric grid at peak demand times, and makes the system more flexible and resilient. Energy storage can also help reduce harmful air pollutants from peaking power plants which contribute to asthma and other negative health impacts. The Strategen study illustrates that a clean mix of replacement options, combined with storage, can fulfill New York’s resource needs, replacing retired units efficiently, and at a low cost while still achieving New York’s greenhouse gas emissions and other goals. Other states facing similar issues to New York’s have turned to energy storage. California in response to the closure of the San Onofre nuclear power plant and power shortages caused by the natural gas leak in Aliso Canyon, mandated the use of innovative clean energy solutions, including energy storage projects.  The energy storage sector is growing rapidly. A recent report by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority found that the number of jobs in New York’s storage industry grew by 1,000 between 2012 and 2015, a 30 percent increase, and job growth could grow to nearly 27,000 by 2030. The Strategen Consulting Study can be viewed here:  https://www.strategen.com/new-blog/2017/5/8/indian-point-replacement-options About NY-BEST The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) Consortium is a non-profit corporation and industry-led consortium with more than 150 organizational members. NY-BEST’s mission is to catalyze and grow the energy storage industry and establish New York State as a global leader in the energy storage industry. Visit us on the web at www.ny-best.org About Strategen Consulting Strategen Consulting is a strategic advisory firm that provides insight to utilities, public sector leaders, research institutions, and global corporations, helping them to develop impactful and sustainable clean energy strategies. Strategen specializes in providing independent analysis and regulatory support to help clients navigate some of the energy sector’s most pressing issues. ###     Contact: Denise Sheehan, NY-BEST Phone: (518)463-8644 (office), (518)429-6924 (mobile) Email: denise@caphill.com    

Syracuse, New York - October 20, 2016 – National Grid today announced a $242,000 clean tech incubator grant to the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) at NY-BEST’s 6nd Annual “Energy Storage Technology Conference”. The grant will fund NY-BEST’s new virtual clean tech incubator for battery and energy storage technology start-up companies in New York State.     “We are excited to support NY-BEST’s new virtual clean tech incubator for battery and energy storage technology," said Ken Daly, president of National Grid in New York. "National Grid supports innovation through programs like NY-BEST to provide emerging start-ups with an opportunity to grow in New York.  The company’s support of programs like this helps to sustain a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that is the backbone of a clean tech economy. And it’s another way National Grid gives back to the communities it serves."   Advanced batteries and energy storage products are changing the way energy is used on the electric grid and in transportation. Batteries and other storage devices are being used on the electric grid to store energy from intermittent renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, and to make the electric grid run more efficiently. Fuel cells and batteries are powering new vehicles. Entrepreneurs are developing these energy storage technologies here in New York where new companies are emerging with innovative products for the changing demands of the marketplace.   “NY-BEST thanks National Grid for recognizing the great potential of the energy storage technology industry in New York and the importance to our economy of supporting start-up companies in bringing new innovative technologies to the marketplace.” said NY-BEST Executive Director, William Acker. “This National Grid funding will be instrumental for NY-BEST to assist energy storage start-ups in commercializing their technologies, validating their technical solutions and helping to raise important investor capital for these promising entrepreneurs.”   The $242,000 National Grid CleanTech program incentive will be used by NY-BEST to create a new virtual incubator called, “NY-BEST Business Resources to Innovate, Develop, Grow and Excel (NY-BEST-BRIDGE)”. With the grant funds, NY-BEST will deliver direct business assistance and guidance, technical expertise, mentoring, access to capital and other funding sources, and access to other technical resources; all tailored to the needs of energy storage businesses. NY-BEST plans to use the funds to increase the number of new energy storage start-ups in New York and accelerate the path to commercial success for these companies.   -more- NATIONAL GRID AWARDS $242K GRANT TO NY-BEST Page 2 of 2   National Grid since the inception of the program in 2003 has provided over $790,000 in clean tech incentives to 10 upstate New York organizations.   National Grid’s CleanTech Incubation grant program supports the development of a self-sustaining entrepreneurial and innovation “ecosystem” in upstate New York that will stimulate and support high growth new businesses generating new jobs and new investment. For more information and program descriptions, visit National Grid’s website at: http://www.shovelready.com/grants.asp     About NY-BEST The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) Consortium is a non-profit corporation established in 2010 to position New York State as a global leader in energy storage technology including applications in transportation, grid storage, and power electronics. An industry-led consortium with more than 150 organizational members, NY-BEST’s mission is to catalyze and grow the energy storage industry and establish New York State as a global leader in the energy storage industry. Visit us on the web at www.ny-best.org.   About National Grid National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity and natural gas delivery company that connects nearly 7 million customers to vital energy sources through its networks in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain. Through its U.S. Connect21 strategy, National Grid is transforming its electricity and natural gas networks to support the 21st century digital economy with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions. Connect21 is vital to our communities' long-term economic and environmental health and aligns with regulatory initiatives in New York (REV: Reforming the Energy Vision) and Massachusetts (Grid Modernization). For more information please visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com, or our Connecting website. You can also follow us on Twitter, watch us on You Tube, Friend us on Facebook and find our photos on Instagram.       NY-BEST Contact: Denise Sheehan denise@caphill.com 518.429.6924  

Releases Energy Storage “Roadmap” for New York’s Electric Grid

The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) – a consortium of more than 150 battery and energy storage companies, universities, industry and government partners -- today released the Energy Storage Roadmap for New York’s Electric Grid. The Roadmap recommends that the State’s electric grid have 2 GW of multi-hour energy storage by 2025 and 4 GW by 2030, to achieve the State’s grid modernization and renewable energy goals established under the State’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) and Clean Energy Standard initiatives. 

LEADING EXPERTS TO SPEAK IN ROCHESTER

AT BATTERY & ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

Rochester, N.Y. - The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) is hosting a battery and energy storage technology conference at the Hilton Doubletree in Rochester on Thursday, November 12, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, with a networking reception immediately following. NY-BEST is also offering conference attendees tours of the battery development assets in Rochester on the morning of November 13, 2015

“NY-BEST congratulates Glenwood, Demand Energy and EnerSys on their successful partnership to deploy a total of one megawatt of distributed energy storage systems in select buildings in New York City. This effort comes at a time when New York State is in the midst of an effort, known as the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV), to transform the electric grid using more distributed sources of energy, like storage...

State investment in Public-Private partnership with NY-BEST and RIT will accelerate development of new battery technologies 

Senior managers from leading energy companies, including Solar City, Tesla, General Electric, Toyota, General Motors, Consolidated Edison, LG Chem, and Siemens, as well as several other emerging companies, will discuss the new market opportunities for batteries and energy storage and how their companies are positioning themselves to realize the benefits associated with changes in the electric grid and transportation sectors.

“NY-BEST is enthusiastic about Governor Cuomo’s proposed $25 million in State funding support for a high-energy X-ray beam line at Brookhaven National Laboratory. This facility will enable characterization of real batteries while they charge and discharge. The new capabilities offered at Brookhaven National Lab will provide an important complement the battery testing facility that NY-BEST has built in Rochester, New York...