2004

FOR RELEASE: Immediately February 27, 2004
CONTACT: Peter Sigurdson (716) 842-1522 ext. 3006

NYSERDA Announces Funding Program for Industrial Process and Productivity Improvement
$3 million available for demonstration projects, feasibility studies

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced the availability of $3 million in funding for innovative or underutilized energy-efficient industrial process improvements that improve productivity, product quality, emissions or cost control at businesses located within New York State.

The Industrial Process & Productivity Improvement Program (IPP) will be published in the New York State Contract Reporter on March 1, 2004. All proposals will be due by Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 3 pm EST.

"This is one of the best economic development programs that NYSERDA offers to New York businesses, both in terms of providing incentive dollars for implementation of new or underutilized technologies as well as feasibility or proof-of-concept studies," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith.

Smith said proposed process improvement must result in quantifiable energy benefits, such as improved energy efficiency or reduced energy demand, to a facility in New York State. Proposals should emphasize near-term application and offer opportunities for the process or technology to be replicated at other New York State industrial sites, rather than basic or fundamental research.

"NYSERDA welcomes projects that also yield environmental or economic benefits, such as meeting or exceeding emission/discharge standards or creating more business or jobs in New York State," Smith added.

NYSERDA anticipates making multiple awards. Each proposer may request: up to $250,000 per project for process development or demonstration projects; or up to $75,000 for feasibility and proof-of-concept studies. All proposals must be cost-shared. Within dollar limits noted above, NYSERDA may fund up to 50% of project cost.

"Last year, NYSERDA funded 30 proposals representing a wide range of research and development, and deployment process improvement projects with good potential energy, environmental and economic benefits," Smith said

This year, the Industrial Process & Productivity Improvement Program will encompass all industrial process improvements, including: efficient materials, process controls/
sensors, waste minimization/pollution prevention, waste treatment, and improved productivity.

Smith said the program will support development, demonstration and deployment of energy-efficient manufacturing process improvements that improve productivity, product quality, emissions, or cost control.

"The IPP Program helps New York industries become and remain more competitive by increasing productivity, reducing manufacturing cost centers such as energy, materials and per unit labor charges, and helps minimize waste and the cost of water treatment," Smith said

For more information or a copy of the IPP program solicitation (PON 837), please visit www.nyserda.org and click the link to "Funding Opportunities" and then "Current Opportunities" or call 1-866-693-3732.

NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975 and administers the System Benefits Charge (SBC) funds and programs under an agreement with the New York State Public Service Commission. The CIPP is available to electric distribution customers who pay into the SBC system and include customers of Central Hudson, NYSEG, Con Edison, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.

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