POTSDAM - Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $3.3 million has been awarded to seven research teams, including Clarkson University, to develop technologies that add resiliency and efficiency to New York state’s electric grid. These “smart grid” technologies will use innovative methods to enhance grid performance, reduce the risk of power outages and lessen environmental impacts and energy consumption, all while reducing the cost of power delivery.
Clarkson University will receive $381,000 for the design of a resilient underground microgrid in the village of Potsdam.
NYSERDA is partnering with Clarkson University, National Grid, General Electric, SUNY Potsdam and other local businesses to plan and design a large microgrid system to generate electricity for a number of entities in the village of Potsdam. The power system would supply electricity to Clarkson and SUNY Potsdam, along with Canton-Potsdam Hospital and National Grid’s Potsdam Service Center.
The region has been particularly susceptible to power outages due to winter storms and flooding, and the underground system would provide a localized source of power that would be more energy-efficient and resilient.