RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, March
3, 2003
CONTACT: Tom Collins 1-866-NYSERDA, ext. 3250.
Greater Rochester International Airport Completes
$4 Million Energy Improvement Project
NYSERDA Provides More Than $900,000 to Improve Power Reliability to
the Airport
The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA),
the Greater Rochester International Airport (GRIA) and Siemens Building
Technologies, Inc. have partnered on a $4.3 million energy efficiency
project that includes a state-of-the-art combined heat and power system
(CHP), lighting and controls. Combined heat and power systems enable
commercial and industrial energy users to generate their own electricity
while using waste heat from the electric generation equipment for productive
purposes, such as space heating, cooling and domestic hot water. To
date, NYSERDA has committed more than $900,000 to various energy-related
projects at GRIA.
"New York State leads the way in terms of combined heat and power
system installations. Our programs will ensure waste heat from this
style of power generation is used to maximize efficiency and environmental
benefits," said NYSERDA Acting President Peter R. Smith. "This
technology will provide users greater control over their energy costs
while protecting them from power disruptions and blackouts that could
bring negative impacts on the airport's operations."
"This new heating and power system gives the airport the cost
efficiency and the operational independence so important to meet the
current times," said Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle. "We
expect to save approximately 48 percent or more than $480,000 in annual
energy costs at the airport. NYSERDA has not only helped our airport
greatly but has assisted in more than 180 other projects with industry
and businesses here in Monroe County. I applaud the Governor for his
vision and support in this critically important arena of energy efficiency."
"This project is not only an example of energy innovation,
but also provides energy independence for the airport," said
Senator Jim Alesi. "With the new energy improvements here, the
airport will be able to remain in service during substantial power
outages and save hundreds of thousands in annual energy costs."
"I am pleased that NYSERDA could help a large facility like
the Rochester Airport improve energy efficiency and save money,"
said Assemblywoman Susan John. "Combined Heat and Power technology
is an effective, environmentally sound solution to high energy bills
and I encourage other businesses and institutions to take advantage
of the opportunities NYSERDA can offer."
To highlight the project, GRIA will open a website, www.rocenergysavings.com,
and kiosk to provide an overview of the project for business and institutions
interested in CHP. The site will present information about the type
of CHP system installed, diagrams of the system and details of the
site's energy and environmental gains from the system operation. The
website will also include a video developed by four local high school
students from Churchville Chili Central Schools worked on this project
under an internship with Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. The system
is expected to yield a reduction of more than 6 million kilowatt hours
per year or enough electricity to power more than 1000 homes. GRIA
is expected to save approximately $334,000 in annual energy costs.
The combined heat and power system for the airport provides multiple
benefits for the airport facility, airport travelers, and county taxpayers.
These benefits are realized through energy cost savings, increased
power quality and reliability, environmental improvements and increased
stability relating to future energy costs at the airport.
The CHP system consists of two medium-sized 750-kilowatt engine driven
co-generation units that produce electricity and hot water. The hot
water is linked to the existing airport heating system and central
cooling system. Hot water heat recovered from the Cogeneration units
is used to heat the airport in winter, but through a special mechanism
known as an absorption chiller, it also provides the conditioning
requirements in the summer. The CHP plant simultaneously produces
most of the airport's electricity as well as its hot water, building
heat and air conditioning.
The 56 projects NYSERDA is supporting represent a total investment
of $96 million in combined heat and power when co-funding for the
projects is factored in. The CHP program and the projects supported
will address power generation, availability, reliability, and power
quality needs of New York State while emphasizing energy efficiency
and environmental quality. The projects are expected to result in
direct energy, environmental, and economic benefits such as peak electric
demand reduction, higher fuel-use efficiency, emissions reduction,
lower energy costs, job creation, and product sales.
Since 1998, NYSERDA has provided more than $7 million to support
more than 181 projects in the Greater Rochester area. Combined with
CO-funding from NYSERDA's partners, the value of these projects is
nearly $13 million. Among some of the other customers NYSERDA is working
with in Monroe County is: Rochester Institute of Technology, Mikron
Corporation Rochester, Zweigles Inc., YMCA of Rochester, Siemens Building
Technologies, and the University of Rochester Medical Center.
NYSERDA administers the New York Energy $martSM
program, which is designed to support certain public benefit programs
during the transition to a more competitive electricity market. Some
1,100 projects in more than 30 programs are funded by a charge on
the electricity transmitted and distributed by the State's investor-owned
utilities. The New York Energy $martSM program provides
energy efficiency services, including those directed at the low-income
sector, research and development, and environmental protection activities.
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