New York Continues to Lead on Clean Energy Innovation
New York’s leadership has never been more essential as the United States faces a new era of uncertainty in federal clean energy policy. In this pivotal moment, New York is proving that clean energy innovation is achievable, affordable, and an economic necessity.
This was made clear in the recently enacted State Budget through Governor Hochul’s Sustainable Future Program, which will deliver over $1 billion to lower emissions, reduce household energy costs, and spur green job growth across every corner of the state. As enacted, the landmark program directs investments towards innovative energy efficient retrofits, clean heating technologies like heat pumps, and programs that will help modernize our homes and schools. It also advances next-generation infrastructure, with funding for thermal energy networks and expansion of renewable energy across the state. And to accelerate the shift to a cleaner transportation system, the budget continues support for electric school buses and fast-charging stations.
And just last month, Governor Hochul ordered the development and construction of an advanced nuclear power plant upstate, a zero-emission source that will provide electricity for 1 million homes and ensure a reliable energy source that will help spur existing and future transformative economic development opportunities.
New York’s approach to the energy transition is centered on affordability, ensuring that the advancement of innovative technologies deliver direct benefits to residents and businesses and this year’s budget builds on the state’s track record of success. The State has invested $800 million over the past 10 years in research, development, and commercialization of advanced technologies. These investments have helped commercialize approximately 300 clean energy products and attracted $3.5 billion in private funding, spurring breakthroughs that lower costs and improve grid reliability.
Cold-climate heat pumps, for example, have been tailored to withstand New York’s harsh winters more efficiently. Such heat pumps are often more affordable to operate than oil, propane, or electric resistance systems while providing 100% of home heating needs. An ongoing collaboration between the State and New York City, known as Clean Heat for All, is supporting the installation of novel packaged window heat pumps in 30,000 units of designated New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) public housing after a pilot proved their ability to provide full loading heating in NYCHA homes over the course of a winter season.
At the same time, grid modernization initiatives like dynamic line ratings (DLR) are saving consumers millions of dollars by avoiding unnecessary utility infrastructure upgrades. These practical innovations demonstrate how the State’s clean energy investments can bring forward solutions to real-world challenges while helping to reduce costs and promote economic development and competitiveness.
Today, the Empire State is home to over 650 climate technology small businesses, making it the second largest clean energy innovation hub in the U.S. after California. These companies are contributing to the more than 178,000 clean energy jobs the state. New York is positioned as an innovation, research, and manufacturing capital for clean technology and economic growth in the competitive global energy landscape.
The stakes have never been higher than they are today. The energy transition will define the 21st century, reshaping economies, influencing geopolitics, and determining the quality of life for billions across the globe. While the federal government navigates its path, New York and NYSERDA are showing that progress must not wait for Washington.
For over 50 years, our work has been grounded in innovation and demonstrates what is possible when vision is matched with action. We continue to prove that New York is a market mover and will continue working to realize the benefits promised by our state energy policy. By focusing on affordability while at the same time fostering innovation, we have created a path for achieving the energy transition.
This lesson is not just for New Yorkers but all Americans. It reminds us that those who act boldly and decisively will shape the sustainable future we all need.
Brandon N. Owens is the Vice President of Innovation at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
