2005

FOR RELEASE: Immediately - January 24, 2005
CONTACT Peter Sigurdson - 716-842-1522 ext. 3006

NYSERDA Announces Funding Program for Industrial Process and Productivity Improvement
$2.5 million available for demonstration projects, feasibility studies

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced the availability of $2.5 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.

"Year after year, the Industrial Process and Productivity Improvement (IPPI) program ranks as one of the best economic development programs that NYSERDA offers to New York businesses," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith.  "NYSERDA's incentives help to spur implementation of new or underutilized technologies as well as important feasibility or proof-of-concept studies."

Projects must involve an innovative or underutilized technology or process and result in quantifiable energy benefits, such as improved energy efficiency or reduced energy demand, for an industrial facility located in the Empire 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, Smith added. 

"As in past years, 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 18 proposals representing a wide range of research and development, and deployment process improvement projects with good potential energy, environmental and economic benefits.

The Industrial Process & Productivity Improvement Program encompasses all industrial process improvements, including: efficient materials, process controls/sensors, waste minimization/pollution prevention, waste treatment, and improved productivity. 

In addition, NYSERDA will hold three informational workshops regarding the Industrial Process and Productivity Improvement program at its three statewide offices:  Thursday, February 24^th from 1-3 pm, Albany Office, 17 Columbia Circle, (518) 862-1090; Thursday, March 3^rd, 9 - 11 am, Manhattan Office, 485 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1006, (212) 971-5342; and Thursday, March 10^th, 1-3 pm, Buffalo Office, 617 Main Street, Suite 105, (716) 842-1522.

For more information or a copy of the IPPI program solicitation (PON 917), please visit www.nyserda.org and click the link to "Funding Opportunities" or call 1-866-NYSERDA.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is a public benefit corporation created by the State Legislature in 1975. The Authority's mission is to help solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy. In addition to helping develop and commercialize new and innovative technologies and products, it also invests in energy efficiency and clean renewable energy technologies to help provide the State with safe and affordable energy.

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