The solicitation is open to fund projects proposed by New York-based entities that are also actively applying for federal clean hydrogen funding opportunities. The announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals to reduce emissions 85% by 2050 and transition to 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040.

Governor Hochul said investing in clean hydrogen is the latest example of New York’s commitment to exploring all technologies and avenues to transition to clean energy economy-wide.

She said, “In partnership with the state’s leading innovators and problem-solvers, we are taking bold action to transition even the hardest-to-electrify sectors, helping secure a healthy and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”

The new initiative, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will operate in tandem with New York State’s overall advancement of a clean hydrogen ecosystem which includes the Northeast Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (NE Hub) effort.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York has adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, requiring all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the State to be zero emission by 2035.

While the NE Hub work focuses on clean hydrogen deployment across the broader Northeast region, the initiative will specifically fund RD&D efforts that are most relevant and critical to advance a clean hydrogen economy in New York and support the achievement of the Climate Act goals.

Applicants comprising single entities or teams can compete for funding under four technical challenge areas for emerging research, development and demonstrations of clean hydrogen including:

hydrogen applications to decarbonise industrial process heat
clean hydrogen production and integration with renewable energy such as solar and offshore wind
mitigation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in hydrogen combustion, and
hydrogen storage technologies, including bulk storage and storage in limited footprint areas

Doreen M. Harris, New York State Energy Research and Development President and CEO, said the initiative further demonstrates New York’s leadership in growing a clean-hydrogen ecosystem that connects production, manufacturing and end use to advance economic development, resilience, and environmental justice.

She said, “Targeting specific technical challenge areas that encourage innovation in hard-to-electrify sectors of the economy complements the State’s electrification efforts while reducing emissions Statewide, including in overburdened areas.”

Basil Seggos, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner, said focusing on hydrogen will complement efforts to reduce fossil fuel use as part of our ambitious climate agenda in New York State.

Projects awarded through this solicitation will pave the way for future hydrogen hub project deployment, and strengthen the regional hydrogen strategy put forth by the NE Hub partners including New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont, and over 100 hydrogen ecosystem partners, who collaborated on the development of a proposal submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy in early April for hydrogen hub funding and designation as a regional hub under the federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act.

This regional strategy includes:

Prioritisation of clean electrolytic hydrogen production – integrating electrolysers with renewable energy such as solar and wind.
Utilisation of clean hydrogen to decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors – hydrogen application to decarbonize industrial process heat, which accounts for more than 60% of the total heat consumed in New York industry, currently provided by combustion of fossil fuel.
Growing the Northeast’s rich innovation ecosystem at scale – providing cost share for New York entities and projects to leverage over $1 billion in multiple funding opportunities recently announced by federal agencies.
Critical focus on community engagement, environmental justice, diversity, equity and inclusion – environmental justice and other stakeholder perspectives were instrumental in shaping the focus areas for this solicitation, including prioritising investment in clean hydrogen production with renewables, focusing on applications to mitigate localized pollution impacts in Disadvantaged Communities, and controlling emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) resulting from hydrogen use in hard-to-electrify sectors, such as high temperature industrial manufacturing processes.

Assembly member Didi Barrett said even as we continue to take steps to meet the state’s ambitious CLCPA goals, it’s important to recognise that there are sectors that will always be difficult if not impossible to electrify and working with low carbon fuels like clean hydrogen is one strategy to address those challenges.

New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium Executive Director Bill Acker said its members working on clean hydrogen are developing solutions to critical challenges in decarbonising electricity generation, heavy duty transportation, and the industrial sector while also building an industry that will be a significant economic engine for the State.

“The new initiative announced today by NYSERDA will help fund important new clean hydrogen research, development and demonstration projects that will further our efforts to develop a strong clean hydrogen ecosystem here in New York.”

Nick Barilo, Center for Hydrogen Safety Executive Director, said as the number of clean hydrogen projects increases, prioritising safety will be vital to realising success.

Successful awards will be contingent upon securing federal funding. Applications will be accepted until 3pm on June 28. Along with NYSERDA proposal documents, proposers are required to submit their federal concept paper for evaluation by NYSERDA.