From the August 2006 issue

Innovative Energy Programs to be Located at Saratoga Technology and Energy Park

Governor George E. Pataki and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno recently announced plans for the construction of a state-of-the-art alternative fuel research laboratory at the Saratoga Technology and Energy Park (STEP) and a new $10 million State program to convert vehicles in the State fleet to plug-in hybrids.

Pictured left to right: Pres. HVCC Andrew J.Matonak,
Town of Malta Supervisor Paul Sausville,
DEC Commissioner Denise Sheehan, Gov. George Pataki,
NYS Assemblyman Roy McDonald

Building a Brighter Energy Future

"This year, New York State has taken significant steps to reduce our dependence on imported energy, and we will continue to promote cutting-edge research and technology that will build a brighter energy future here in the Empire State," Governor Pataki said. "This new vehicle testing laboratory and our investments in plug-in hybrids are critical to this effort, and will help spur the innovation necessary to transition away from a petroleum-based transportation sector.

"These new programs are important tools in our effort to develop clean and renewable fuels, promote greater energy efficiency, and create jobs in the emerging energy sector," the governor said. "The Saratoga Technology and Energy Park is an exciting venue for renewable and clean energy companies, and today we take another step to solidify New York's position as a national and global leader in alternative energy research and development."

100 MPG Vehicles

The $10 million plug-in hybrids program will facilitate the development and deployment of advanced, high-mileage vehicles, which can achieve a fuel economy of up to 100 miles per gallon. Under this program, the 600 hybrid vehicles in the state fleet will be retrofitted to be plug-in hybrids. Once the state's hybrid vehicles have been converted to plug-in hybrids, the program will be made available to private vehicle owners through a competitive process.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles can be plugged into the electric grid-such as a normal 120 volt household outlet-to boost mileage. This will allow the vehicles to operate on emissions-free battery power, reducing the amount of fuel used, and significantly decreasing the release of harmful pollutants, including greenhouse gases. Since the utility grid has lower demand during overnight hours, recharging of plug-ins would not add to the peak load.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Research Laboratory

The research laboratory will
be built at the Saratoga Technology
and Energy Park

The New York State Alternative Fuel Vehicle Research Laboratory, the first of its kind in the nation, will develop scientific data to formulate new programs to conserve energy, diversify our energy supplies, decrease our dependence on imported fuels, and protect our environment. The facility will conduct testing for advanced and emerging technologies such as fuel cell propulsion systems, alternative fuels, and greenhouse gas reduction technologies. Special focus will be put on test systems to quantify emissions from diesel buses and trucks, so advanced control and retrofit technologies can be developed for those vehicles. The laboratory also will promote public-private partnership projects and educational programs, including research grants, technology development, and technician training applicable to emerging technologies such as alternative fuels.

Environment and Economy Benefit

DEC Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "Governor Pataki, DEC and NYSERDA are again taking the lead in exploring new ways of improving air quality through innovative research and collaboration. This facility will help increase efficiency in the transportation sector and expand the available range of energy sources to power our vehicles, for the benefit of both our environment and our economy."

Battery Firm Added Too

In addition, the Governor announced that Electrovaya, a Canadian high-tech battery manufacturing firm, plans to expand Canadian operations into 5,000 square feet of manufacturing space at STEP, with additional expansion planned. The company's lithium-ion batteries can be used in a variety of products and applications.