December 13, 2010

Solar Project to Help Reduce Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions at Plattsburgh International Airport

Congressman Bill Owens, NYSERDA, and Airport Officials Announce Funding

December 13, 2010 — Plattsburgh International Airport began construction last week on the first of two solar heating system projects to be funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  The two systems, which will heat two hangars and an industrial facility, will reduce the airport’s utility costs by $40,000 annually.

In total, the airport was awarded more than $620,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on projects that will heat nearly 111,000 square feet of space using a 20,840 square feet solar wall.  The wall will help the airport control its costs and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

The project being constructed now is a 4,000 square feet solar wall, called a Trombe wall, that heats indoor air using solar energy and fans pull the heated air into the building.  Solar walls are a clean, efficient, and sustainable heating alternative to conventional fuels.  The solar wall will greatly reduce the airport’s reliance on fossil fuels for heating and will help to control its over energy costs.

Supported by $120,000 of federal funding, the airport’s solar heating project is one of seven energy conservation and renewable energy projects in Clinton County receiving more than $1.1 million in federal ARRA support to help local governments and educational institutions reduce annual energy costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars.  The funds also support two energy conservation studies that will help to identify additional projects where greater energy efficiencies and cost-savings can be achieved.

“This is great news for Clinton County,” said Congressman Bill Owens.  “Modernizing the facilities in the North Country will not only make the area more attractive for businesses to move in and create jobs, but it will also cut down on future operating costs.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray Jr. said, “Federal stimulus dollars have been critically important in helping public sector entities lower their energy costs and minimize the environmental impact of their operations by using clean, sustainable energy sources.  I commend Clinton County officials for their commitment to using clean, renewable energy, and thank Congressman Bill Owens for his support and our congressional delegation for their work to secure these funds which will improve both our economy and our environment.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to install solar wall systems to several buildings located on the Plattsburgh International Airport,” said Tom Long, Airport Manager.  “These projects, made possible by NYSERDA and the Recovery Act, enables the airport to be better stewards of our environment and focuses our efforts on using clean energy alternatives.”

Other Clinton County energy projects receiving Recovery Act funds include:

• SUNY Plattsburgh, more than $400,000 for an energy conservation study and installation of a campus metering system.
• Northern Adirondack Central School District, $29,910 for an energy conservation study
• City of Plattsburgh, $97,830 to install a geothermal heating and cooling system at the city police station.  The project was completed in late September and is anticipated to reduce electricity consumption by 142,000 kilowatt hours and save the city nearly $5,000 in electricity costs annually.

The twenty-third congressional district, which encompasses Clinton, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Lewis, Jefferson, Oswego, Madison, Fulton, Hamilton Counties and areas of Oneida and Essex Counties, has been awarded more than $5.8 million in ARRA funds for 45 energy conservation and renewable energy projects and 10 energy conservation studies.  Combined, these projects will reduce the energy cost burden by more than $2 million per year.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

CONTACT:

Jeffrey Gordon
(518) 862-1090, ext. 3544