Geothermal Clean Energy Challenge: Support for Large-Scale Ground-source Heat Pump Systems

Last month the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced the availability of $3.8 million for the launch of a statewide initiative designed to help stimulate financing and installation of large-scale geothermal systems.

The Geothermal Clean Energy Challenge provides New York facilities with the opportunity to apply for an analysis to determine whether their buildings are best suited for the installation of geothermal pumps (i.e., ground-source heat pumps) for heating and cooling of buildings, by transferring heat to or from the ground. The technology helps New Yorkers save on energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Eligible entities: State and local governments, K–12 schools, colleges and universities, healthcare organizations
• Eligible facilities: Buildings with heating or cooling loads of at least 1.2MM Btu per hour (100 refrigeration tons or 40,000 square feet of conditioned space for one or more buildings combined)
• Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until 75 sites are successfully enrolled in the program or March 30, 2018, whichever occurs first.
• The 75 eligible applicants will receive a summary report at no cost with quantitative analysis of the technical and economic viability of their potential geothermal systems.
• Of the 75 applications, up to 25 of the most viable sites will be awarded with a more refined economic analysis and building energy model for their proposed geothermal systems and up to $125,000 in matching funds per site for detailed design studies. Once qualification criteria are met, participants can seek project capital to proceed with project construction through NYPA financing and NYSERDA rebates.

To apply and learn more, go to https://www.nypa.gov/about/geothermalchallenge .

Contact Geothermal@nypa.gov with questions.