The Record - Tech Valley poised to meet future energy needs

Plug Power Inc. and DayStar Technologies are two Tech Valley businesses bringing alternative energy sources to the forefront. DayStar Technologies, a semi-conductor manufacturer that relocated from Northern California, found Tech Valley business start-up incentives too appealing to ignore. Support from New York state, Empire State Development Corp. and NYSERDA, the visions for Tech Valley and the quality of life brought them here, DayStar President and CEO John Tuttle said."This region is on the crest of an economic development cycle," he said.Semi-conductors haven't seen the cost breakthroughs that were experienced by microchips primarily because of investment shortfalls, nevertheless there is a growing demand for the technology, Tuttle said."We believe we have a technology that can break these cost benchmarks," he said.DayStar continues to experience a 40 percent growth in business annually. Rising natural gas prices and climate changes are playing roles in driving the demand, Tuttle said.Because of its ability to provide a constant source of clean power, fuel cell manufacturer Plug Power Inc. targets infrastructure needs of the communication and utility industries, chief marketing officer Mark Sperry said. Fuel cells, electrochemical energy conversion devices that are similar to batteries, convert chemical energy from a fuel directly into electricity and heat. Their only by-product is water. Plug Power recently partnered with Russian investment firm Interros and Norilsk Nickel, reportedly the world's largest producer of nickel and palladium, resulting in $217 million cash investment. "This summer we'll have one of the strongest balance sheets in the alternative energy industry," Sperry said.The investment will make it possible for the company to advance its research capabilities, he said.National Grid, meanwhile, is investing in the redesign of infrastructure and generation delivery systems now more than ever, National Grid subsidiary President and CEO Michael Jesarius said. The cost of natural gas has forced the utility to seek more affordable alternatives. "In Albany, we're working with SuperPower (an Energy Technology subsidiary in Latham) on super conductive cable. ... We're intensely focused on delivering high-quality power and technology," he said.National Grid restructured operations several years ago. Since that time, consumers have saved more than $34 billion. In 2004, consumers saved 15 to 18 percent in inflation-adjusted rates on their utility bills," Jesarius said.National Grid is poised to invest $1 billion in infrastructure improvements and technological upgrades in the next five years.
©The Record 2006