The high-efficiency, low-emission boiler systems will provide heat to DEC’s Region 5 headquarters, APA headquarters, and the New York State Police Troop B headquarters. The renewable heating loop system is expected to save the state in annual energy costs while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 391 tons a year.
Officials from several state government agencies were joined by state and local elected officials in a groundbreaking ceremony early last week to kick off construction.
“The Ray Brook Biomass Project is another big step towards Governor Cuomo’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy sources,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “There are a host of benefits associated with this project, including creating jobs in the Adirondack region, keeping energy dollars in New York, lowering heating costs, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and promoting sustainable forest management.”
The renewable energy project is being carried out under Governor Cuomo’s BuildSmart NY program, the comprehensive statewide initiative to increase energy efficiency in public buildings, and also supports the state’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030.
The boilers are made in New York with the latest efficiency and emission reduction technologies and operate most efficiently when running at full load. The fully automated system will turn on and shut down the boilers based on the building’s heating needs.
The building housing the boilers will include an observation and education space to provide information to the public about the system’s components and function and real-time information on the fuel use and heat output. Nearby technical and higher education institutions will be encouraged to visit the site to learn more about the system and its operation.
The New York Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) is providing a $300,000 funding grant toward the project. The remaining cost will be split by the three benefiting state agencies.
NYSERDA President and Chief Executive Officer Alicia Barton said, “Renewable heating and cooling is a largely untapped energy source and this project is an example of Governor Cuomo’s initiative to expand the use of all clean energy resources to reduce the carbon footprint of state facilities and promote wider adoption of these technologies.”
Photo: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
For information: http://www.governor.ny.gov/news
