Astoria generating battery storage gets state approval

The state has approved a permit for new energy storage in Astoria. Photo via Eastern Generation

By Rachel Vick

New York State has given approval for an energy storage project in Astoria, opening the door to the next steps in the city’s journey away from fossil fuels.

The New York Public Service Commission has approved Eastern Generation’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for energy storage facilities at the Astoria Generating Station.

Battery storage at the Astoria Generating Station would support the Luyster Creek Energy Storage project. It is expected to go online by 2025.

“The Luyster Creek projects can be fully operational as soon as 2025 if market conditions permit and proper economic incentive investments are made by the state,” said Mark Sudbey, CEO of Eastern Generation.

The station is expected to support over 135 MegaWatts of energy storage once completed as part of an overhaul of the former fossil fuel plant. Renewable energy supplied by the Champlain Hudson Power Express — delivering power from upstate — will be stored and distributed throughout the city.

The Luyster Creek projects, including potential storage projects at its Gowanus and Narrows stations, will support the state’s goals of 6,000 MW of energy storage by the year 2030 and 70 percent renewable energy.

“New York is making significant upgrades and additions to the state’s existing transmission and distribution systems to integrate new large-scale renewable energy projects into the state's energy supply, and we must ensure that these investments are smart and cost-effective,” PSC Chair Rory Christian said in response to actions taken at the last meeting. “The Luyster Creek project advances New York State’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction and renewable energy goals.”