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NISKAYUNA, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko cheered the announcement that a total of $22,899,840 will be delivered to GE Vernova Advanced Research Center in Niskayuna, NY to drive clean energy research and development, particularly in wind energy. This substantial funding, allocated through the U.S. Department of Energy, includes four projects for GE Vernova and includes funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Tonko helped advance.

“Harnessing wind power is essential in our effort to combat climate change,” Congressman Tonko said. “In addition to reducing harmful emissions, investments in sustainable technologies support businesses, strengthen our national supply chain, boost job creation, and lower energy costs for American families. This enormous potential for economic growth is why I’ve been dedicated in ensuring we invest in this growing industry. The projects awarded today will continue to move us forward in the clean energy transition, and I congratulate GE Vernova for their contribution in positioning our region is at the forefront of that effort.”

“We’re proud to support the Biden Administration’s efforts to advance key technologies that bolster domestic wind manufacturing in New York and across the nation,” said Matt Guyette, Director, GE Vernova Advanced Research Center.  “The energy projects we have been awarded will make wind power more accessible and support its continued growth in America’s energy mix. We greatly appreciate Congressman Tonko’s support in attracting new investments in wind and other areas that are helping GE Vernova and others establish new manufacturing and jobs right here in the Capital Region.” 

Rep. Tonko has long led efforts to support the growing offshore wind industry. He championed the Restoring Offshore Wind Opportunities Act, a bill to overturn the Trump-era offshore wind leasing ban that was signed into law this year as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. He also authored the transformational Offshore Energy Modernization Act, legislation that provides a comprehensive blueprint to ensure the long-term viability and success of U.S. offshore wind development. 

The projects announced last week are part of the Biden Administration’s Investing In America agenda, and include a total of $72 million across 29 projects that will strengthen the domestic supply chain and make clean energy more affordable and accessible for Americans.

The four GE Vernova projects awarded today include:

• $14,900,000 for the production of near net shape (NNS) components that expedite production time and reduce manufacturing costs;
• $3 million to support development of High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC), which is essential to transmit electricity from offshore wind;
• $2,999,995 for state-of-the-art manufacturing and research into production and development of large wind blades; and
• $1,999,845 to streamline production for critical components for wind turbines.

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