NYPA, SUNY to launch largest energy research lab of its kind in the world
March 27, 2015 | By
Barbara Vergetis Lundin
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) have signed an agreement to create a world-class facility, the largest of its kind in the world, devoted to energy technology innovation and the rapid deployment of smart grid technology to modernize New York's electric grid. Known as the Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy (AGILe), the lab will simulate, develop, test and deploy a more integrated grid.
SUNY Poly was formed from the merger of the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and SUNY Institute of Technology, and is considered the world's most advanced, university-driven research system with more than $20 billion in high-tech investments and over 300 corporate partners. SUNY Poly's combined expertise in renewable energy and public-private partnerships is expected to serve NYPA well and drive innovative power solutions for future generations, as well as create employment opportunities. "By building a world-class research and development facility that is focused on improving New York's energy infrastructure, we are making a major investment in our state's future," state Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said in his announcement. "This facility will cement New York's position at the cutting-edge of clean energy technology, and create a new generation of high-paying, energy-related tech jobs in the process." AGILe will provide a setting for NYPA to pursue its own grid-related research and development, fostering research of interest to transmission system operators, utilities, software and hardware manufacturers, government agencies, and universities. The facility would address one of the key recommendations identified by Governor Cuomo's Energy Highway Task Force, to utilize public-private partnerships to help modernize and enhance New York's aging energy infrastructure and expedite the commercial development of new technologies. Traditionally, energy research labs have focused on accommodating the needs of large central power plants delivering electricity over long transmission lines to local utilities. Due to advances in technology and cost reductions in small-scale, clean generation, the power system needs to be reimagined to meet the changing needs of an environmentally sustainable, energy-driven economy. "The electric utility system is undergoing a revolutionary change and this facility will place New York squarely at the vanguard of this transformation," said Richard Kauffman, chairman of Energy and Finance, Office of Governor Cuomo. "Research and development of smart grid technology will ensure that sophisticated energy solutions are leveraged to harden electric infrastructure against physical and cyber threats, improve the efficient operation of the grid, and accelerate the use of renewable energy resources as we focus on building a cleaner and more affordable energy infrastructure." Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO, concurs. "The entire power system is changing at a fast pace, driven by technology and customer expectations. AGILe will represent a quantum leap forward in realizing the full value of central generation and transmission and distributed energy resources," he said. "This initiative will demonstrate how ongoing collaboration between academia, government and the private sectors can bring about innovative solutions to complex challenges." Newer electrical system technologies, such as advanced transmission system monitoring sensors, electric vehicle charging stations, and microgrids, need to be tested in an advanced laboratory setting before they can be deployed. By simulating the impact of expected changes to the grid, researchers can better understand the impacts and design system improvements to accommodate these emerging technologies and improve real-time operations. These simulations can lower grid improvement costs and enable a better response to conditions that could threaten power reliability and quality. The lab will develop analytical tools so utilities can readily convert data from grid sensors to rapidly respond to challenges or threats to the grid. The AGILe research is also intended to aid utilities in making their transmission and generation operations more efficient and to help integrate renewable energy resources into the power grid. For more: © 2015 FierceMarkets, a division of Questex Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. |