Governor Kathy Hochul has announced more than $11 million in funding for five clean hydrogen research and development projects aimed at decarbonizing transportation, industrial processes, and strengthening the energy grid.
The awards are part of the state’s broader efforts to expand clean hydrogen as a viable, low-emission energy source under the NY SWIMS initiative and Climate Act. Projects will focus on reducing costs, improving hydrogen storage and distribution, and deploying real-world, zero-emission solutions in areas like healthcare, maritime transportation, and energy generation.
“New York’s investments in clean hydrogen are helping to unlock this emerging resource as a potential contributor to the state’s affordable, abundant, and reliable energy system,” Governor Hochul said. “Advancing alternative fuels like clean hydrogen will grow our clean energy economy while reducing emissions statewide.”
The five funded projects include:
- GTI Energy – Awarded over $220,000 to study New York’s potential for underground hydrogen storage, a key component for long-duration, large-scale clean energy storage.
- National Grid Ventures – Awarded $2 million to install and test the state’s first commercially deployed, 100% hydrogen-fueled linear generator at the Northport Power Plant in Fort Salonga. The generator will run for one year to assess performance, air quality benefits, and grid support.
- Plug Power Inc. & Verne – Awarded $2 million to co-develop cryo-compressed hydrogen distribution trailers, aimed at cutting transportation costs and improving hydrogen access for small and mid-sized warehouse and distribution operations.
- Stony Brook University – Awarded more than $4.9 million to demonstrate a low-pressure, ambient-temperature hydrogen storage system at Northwell Health Hospital. The project will enhance energy resilience for critical care facilities.
- SWITCH Maritime – Awarded $2 million to develop New York’s first hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry for zero-emission transportation on New York City waterways.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris said these bold projects reflect “a diversified clean energy mix for all New Yorkers,” adding that each effort will support job growth, grid reliability, and cleaner air—especially in disadvantaged communities.
The initiative is funded through the state’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund and administered by NYSERDA’s Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research Program. It aligns with New York’s climate goals to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050.
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