NYSERDA’S 50th Anniversary
2025 Marked 50 years of energy leadership and innovation.
Powering a Better Energy Future for New York State
Since our founding in 1975, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has been working to advance New York’s energy system and economy. As technologies, policies, and our changing climate have evolved, NYSERDA has remained responsive to emerging opportunities while serving as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment.
NYSERDA’s investments have fueled innovative technologies and renewable energy development that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower the cost of the clean energy transition for residents and businesses, decarbonize buildings, and increase energy resilience. Our efforts to advance the clean energy economy are underpinned by a commitment that ensures disadvantaged communities have equitable access to the economic, environmental, and health benefits of New York’s clean energy transition.
A Message From NYSERDA’s President & CEO, Doreen Harris
Our History of Energy Leadership
NYSERDA has long adapted to shifting market conditions and federal and state priorities, having operated under nine different U.S. presidents and seven New York State governors. From demonstrating emerging technologies to implementing home energy efficiency programs and scaling renewable energy generation and infrastructure, NYSERDA has been actively leading New York to a cleaner energy future.
1980: NYSERDA supported a variety of solar system demonstration projects, including 11,000 square feet of tubular solar energy collectors at Wagner College on Staten Island.
1981: The Rice House, designed by Robert Mitchell, was one of 17 award-winning passive solar home designs in NYSERDA’s first Solar Competition. The house, located in Wayne County, features solar panels and other energy efficiency improvements.
1985: Before and after images of a waste heat recovery system installed at a printing company in Monroe County.
1992: A consortium that included NYSERDA, Niagara Mohawk, Hannaford Bros, and others worked to develop and demonstrate a more efficient replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in cooling. Emitting CFCs can deplete the ozone layer.
1993: Electric-powered test vehicle with two young visitors on display during Earth Week. Through the Alternative Fuels for Vehicles Fleet Demonstration Program, NYSERDA provided technical and financial support to State and municipal fleets to acquire, operate, and maintain a variety of alternatively fueled vehicles.
1999: NYSERDA’s Energy Smart Programs launch in the summer of 1998, supporting a range of energy efficiency programs, low-income affordability programs, and energy research and development programs.
2004: NY Energy Smart contributed to the construction and operation of 41.5 MW of wind power from two projects: the Madison Wind Project and the Fenner Wind project, both in Madison County.
2022: The Climate Action Council, co-chaired by NYSERDA and DEC, approves the Scoping Plan to advance implementation of the nation-leading ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
2024: More than six gigawatts of distributed solar energy have been installed, enough to power one million homes and businesses. This milestone marks the early achievement of New York State’s goal of deploying 6,000 megawatts of distributed solar by 2025 set by the Climate Act.
Catalyst Award Winners
We’re thrilled to announce our inaugural Catalyst Award winners. These peer-nominated awards recognize the partners and projects that are at the forefront of the clean energy transition in New York State and celebrate excellence across three categories.
Congratulations to our winners!
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Community Engagement
Learn More Learn More about Nicola ArmacostAs Mayor of Hastings-on-Hudson, Nicola Armacost goes above and beyond to foster deep connections and inspire communities to embrace clean energy solutions.
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Innovation & Technology Development
Learn More Learn More about William AckerDr. William Acker’s pioneering work and leadership as Executive Director of NY-BEST have put New York State on the leading edge of energy storage.
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Market Transformation
Learn More Learn More about Lisa GomezAs Chief Executive Officer of L+M Development Partners, Lisa Gomez is advancing energy decarbonization and building performance at scale.
Reflections on 50
Learn More About NYSERDA
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About NYSERDA
Read More About NYSERDALearn more about NYSERDA’s work to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reduction across New York’s economy and energy systems.
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Featured Stories
Read More Featured StoriesExplore NYSERDA’s coverage of New York’s clean energy transition, plus guides for New Yorkers to incorporate clean energy into their own homes and businesses.
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Case Studies
Read More Case StudiesDiscover how clean energy technologies and innovative solutions are being implemented in various sectors across New York State.
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