Innovation may be defined as today's dreams becoming tomorrow's reality.

As the New York Power Authority commemorates its 75th anniversary, it can look back on decades of translating imagination into the giant power projects and electrical superstructure that help to meet the expanding energy needs of New York State.

And as it looks ahead to the next 75 years, NYPA is prepared to build upon that tradition of innovation as it assists in the search for new energy sources for future generations.

Gov. George Pataki's forward-looking energy goals include an array of challenging assignments for NYPA.

"The entire world is now grappling with the question ‘where will we get the energy to power the global economy of the 21st century without causing irreparable harm to our natural environment?" Pataki said in his 2006 State of the State address.

"Let's make New York the place where that defining question is answered," the governor said. "Let's make New York the worldwide center for clean, renewable energy research, product development and job creation."

Important "sources" of new clean power—that is, ways to reduce emissions and costs-will include energy conservation and finding alternatives to fossil fuels.

The Power Authority has promoted energy conservation and clean, efficient, innovative energy technologies for a number of years. Along with decreasing dependence on foreign oil and other fossil fuels, these efforts help to reduce air pollution.

NYPA is a national leader in developing and implementing clean technologies such as fuel cells, solar photovoltaics and clean transportation. "Hydropower to hydrogen" is another innovative idea NYPA is pursuing.