The shortest route to clearing the air is to not create pollution in the first place. That is what’s behind NYPA’s commitment to renewable energy—producing electricity with no emissions to the air, and without consuming precious fuels.

The vast majority of the Power Authority’s output fits the definition of “renewable.” Pollution-free, reusable hydropower is 80 percent of NYPA’s electrical generation, primarily from Northern New York’s St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project in Massena and the Niagara Power Project near Niagara Falls.

Another form of pollution-free renewable energy—hydrogen—can be created from hydropower. The Power Authority and the Electric Power Research Institute in 2006 began a study on the use of hydropower from the Niagara project to produce hydrogen, through electrolysis of water, for a fleet of clean-fueled vehicles operated by the Niagara Falls State Park, as a demonstration project.

Other types of renewable energy include solar power, fuel cells, wind power and biomass, and the Power Authority is involved in all.
NYPA, which has installed 25 solar photovoltaic systems at various locations in New York State, in 2006 announced that seven more sun-powered systems will be placed at Westchester County sites.

Fuel cells produce electricity through virtually emission-free chemical reactions, often using waste gases or natural gas. NYPA has placed 15 fuel cells at various locations in New York City, Yonkers and Syracuse.

In 2006 the Power Authority entered into agreements with two wind power companies in Lewis and Madison counties to purchase renewable energy on behalf of NYPA’s governmental customers in New York City.

The Power Authority has also taken part in a study of the use of biomass to produce electricity for the Village of Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks. Biomass is any organic material—in this case wood from forest or wood industry residue—that is available on a renewable or recurring basis.

How NYPA benefits
Northern New York

• Low-cost power from St. Lawrence-FDR project serves Northern New York’s major industries.
• Millions of dollars in recreational improvements and environmental enhancements.
• Recently opened $5 million Hawkins Point Visitors Center serves as focal point for area tourism and community events.
• Energy-efficiency improvements save money for schools and universities.

Top: Residents of Northern New York enjoy an abundance of clean air, thanks in part to NYPA’s clean, renewable hydropower produced at the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project in Massena.
Above: A prototype of a refueling station for vehicles powered by hydrogen, which would operate with zero emissions.
Right: NYPA buys renewable energy from wind farms.