2006

FOR RELEASE: Immediately  April 6, 2006
CONTACT: Peter Sigurdson  (716) 842-1522  ext. 3006    phs@nyserda.org

NYSERDA Announces Funding Program for Industrial Process and Productivity Improvements
$4 million available for demonstration projects, feasibility studies

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced the availability of $4 million in funding for innovative or underutilized energy-efficient industrial process improvements that improve energy efficiency or reduce peak load, and may also improve product quality, emissions or cost control at a New York State industrial site.

NYSERDA anticipates making multiple awards under the Industrial Process and Productivity Improvement Program (IPPI) in two distinct funding cycles.  The first due date is Thursday, June 8, 2006, and the second is Thursday, October 5, 2006.  All, some or none of the available funds could be allocated in either round.

"The IPPI is one of the best economic development programs that NYSERDA offers.  It provides a competitive level of incentive dollars for implementation of new or underutilized technologies, as well as funding for feasibility or proof-of-concept studies", said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith.

Smith said all projects must involve an innovative or underutilized technology or process with an energy benefit.  Demonstration projects must result in quantifiable energy benefits, such as improved energy efficiency or reduced energy demand, for an industrial facility located within New York State.  Proposals should emphasize near-term application and offer opportunities for the process or technology to be replicated in other New York State industrial sites, rather than basic or fundamental research.

Each proposer may request: up to $250,000 per project for demonstration projects; or up to $75,000 for feasibility and proof-on-concept studies.  All projects must be cost-shared.  Within the dollars limited noted, NYSERDA may fund up to 50 percent of the project cost.

"Last year, NYSERDA funded 19 proposals representing a wide range of research and development, and deployment process improvement projects with the potential for energy, environmental and economic development benefits," Smith said.

"The IPPI Program helps New York businesses become as well as remain more competitive by increasing productivity, reducing manufacturing costs, for energy, materials and per unit labor charges while helping to minimize waste and water treatment costs," Smith added.    

For more information or a copy of the IPPI program solicitation (PON 998), please visit www.nyserda.org and click the link to "Funding Opportunities" and then "Current Opportunities, or call 1-866-693-3732.

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