Company to Build State-of-the-Art, Emission-Free Facility at Niagara Falls Plant, Retaining 86 Jobs, Creating 11 New Jobs
State Investment Supports the Goals of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, Which Calls for $29 Billion in Green Energy Investments Across the State
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced Linde, a leading global industrial gases and engineering company, is expanding the scope of its North American PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzer project in Niagara Falls, which will now include a 35 MW electrolyzer plant. The new expanded project replaces a previously announced $17million proposal.
Hope Knight, Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner said, “Linde’s planned production of emission-free green hydrogen fuel for industrial and other power needs, generated by hydroelectric power at Niagara Falls, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help advance Governor Hochul’s climate goals. This project also supports the Western NY Regional Economic Development Council’s focus on innovation and sustainability in advanced manufacturing, by expanding opportunities to upskill Niagara County’s workforce and investing in the technology of the future.”
Green hydrogen is produced by using electrolysis, with an electric current splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells (HFCs) are a popular choice among climate advocates as a potential source of emissions-free energy because they work utilizing a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in the air to generate clean electricity, creating only water and heat as byproducts.
The investment at the plant, located at 4501 Royal Avenue, is part of Linde’s plans to help move towards a carbon-neutral New York and meet the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) that calls for 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040. Linde’s new technology leverages the existing infrastructure at the Niagara Falls facility and will be powered by renewable energy sourced from the Robert Moses Niagara Power Station when it starts production in 2025. Its electricity source makes this application truly green, as hydro-electric power from the Niagara River will drive the system. The green hydrogen will be supplied to customers through the existing infrastructure at the Linde Niagara Falls site and has an opportunity to serve a growing customer base. It will also provide new opportunities for a cleantech workforce in Western New York and advances environmental justice in this community with an industrial past.
To facilitate Linde’s conversion to an emission-free hydrogen production facility, Empire State Development offered tax credits of up to $2 million through the Excelsior Jobs Program. This new offer replaces a previous incentive, which has been terminated.
In July, the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees approved a 22-MW low-cost hydropower award to Linde for its expansion project to further advance the firm's production of green hydrogen. Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for companies within a 30-mile radius of the Power Authority's Niagara Power Project or businesses in Chautauqua County. Niagara hydropower is linked to tens of thousands of existing jobs in the region.
Senator Robert Ortt said, “As we strive to rebuild our economy following the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunity to retain 86 jobs and create nearly a dozen new jobs in Niagara Falls is more than welcome. The significance of these career opportunities to our area cannot be overstated, and this investment by New York State will go a long way to helping provided employment security to Western New York families during this uncertain time.”
Assemblyman Angelo Morinello said, “Niagara Falls is eager to welcome Linde and their revolutionary, emission-free green energy facility to Western New York. This facility will further the region's investment into the state's Green Energy Program, facilitate the move towards a carbon-neutral New York and secure 86 jobs in this growing sector. I want to thank Empire State Development, and I look forward to continued investments into zero-emission green energy in Niagara Falls and across the state.”
City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said, "Linde has been an innovative industry leader throughout its history and Niagara Falls is proud to be its home. This expansion and job creation reflects Linde's continued impact in our community. We appreciate the assistance of ESD in this project and thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to our region."
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Hochul’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309
Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239