Marty Byrne, associate director, and Jian Sun, CFES director.
Today, the development of clean energy is critical to the economy and the environment of the state and the nation. Recently, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Future Energy Systems (CFES) was selected to receive a state grant redesignating the center as part of the New York State Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) Program. The 10-year designation amounts to over $9 million in investment into Rensselaer, the Capital Region, and New York state.
The CAT Program is designed to spur technology-based applied research and economic development in New York; encourage applied research collaboration and innovation with industry; promote workforce development; better leverage state funds with investments from the federal government, industry, foundations, and not-for-profit economic development organizations; and increase the competitiveness of New York state companies.
CFES is the locus of energy research at Rensselaer, where world-leading science and engineering researchers from all fields gather to collaborate on advancing energy technologies for the benefit and promotion of economic growth in New York. The center’s research thrusts range from advanced materials for energy conversion and storage, to energy efficiency, renewable energy, smart grids, and grid resiliency.
“The Center for Future Energy Systems was chosen during a very competitive process to be one of 15 New York State Centers for Advanced Technology, and redesignation will enable the center to expand further its partnership, multiply its economic impacts, and help New York realize its vision for a cleaner, more efficient and affordable future energy system,” said Jian Sun, CFES director and professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering.
The redesignation will enable the center to expand further its partnership, multiply its economic impacts, and help New York realize its vision for a cleaner, more efficient future energy system.”—Jian Sun
CFES actively partners with small and mid-sized companies, global corporations, state and federal agencies, and educational institutions to accelerate energy research, move technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace, and ultimately build value and create jobs. Over the last decade, the center has worked with over 70 New York state companies, with a cumulative economic impact of $84 million, leading to the creation of more than 200 jobs.
In addition, the center continues to expand its participation with industry partners and K-12 education through a series of energy seminars, workshops, and conferences. The center also created the Energy Scholars Program to engage Rensselaer junior and senior students in energy-related research and technology development through collaboration with industry. Companies that have supported the initiative include: National Grid, New York Power Authority (NYPA), Corning, GE Energy, GE Global Research, and Chart Industries.
“Clean energy is the future that’s here today,” said Senator Kathy Marchione. “Promoting a healthier environment and a stronger economy are vital parts of a long-term clean energy strategy that will position New York state as a national leader in this important field. Being redesignated as part of the New York State Center for Advanced Technology program affirms that RPI’s Center for Future Energy Systems has once again been recognized for its valuable contributions in advancing this high-tech field of study and research.”
“I applaud the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Future Energy Systems on being redesignated for an additional 10 years, as part of the New York State Center for Advanced Technology program,” said Senator Neil Breslin. “The positive economic and environmental impact this center has had over the past 10 years has been felt statewide and I am happy to see they will be able to continue to build upon these past achievements.”