{"id":5652,"date":"2025-05-23T13:45:34","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T13:45:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/?p=5652"},"modified":"2025-05-23T13:55:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T13:55:20","slug":"ny-best-announces-energy-storage-partnerships-award-winners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/2025\/05\/23\/ny-best-announces-energy-storage-partnerships-award-winners\/","title":{"rendered":"NY-BEST Announces Energy Storage Partnerships Award Winners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Three Initiatives Honored for Advancing Energy Storage <\/strong><\/em>Community Partnerships and Inclusive Workforce Initiatives<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Albany, NY \u2013 The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium<\/a><\/strong> (NY-BEST) is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural Energy Storage Partnerships Awards<\/strong><\/em> at their annual Capture the Energy<\/em> conference, recognizing outstanding efforts to develop energy storage projects that align with community priorities and promote inclusive workforce development. More information here. <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Robust Community Partnerships Award<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

This award honors deep, sustained collaboration between clean energy developers and the communities they serve. The 2025 recipient is a multi-stakeholder collaboration centered around the East River Energy Storage Project<\/em>, a 100-megawatt battery energy storage project in Astoria, Queens. The project is sponsored by 174 Power Global<\/strong><\/a> under contract with Con Edison<\/strong><\/a>, sited on property owned by the New York Power Authority<\/strong><\/a> (NYPA), with support from Strategic Management Group<\/strong> and Constantinople & Vallone<\/strong><\/a>. The project team developed what has become a five year, deep partnership with Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> exemplifying how community organizations and clean energy developers can co-create programs that deliver tangible local benefits. Together, the group supports year-round STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education, career mentoring, and environmental engagement activities for youth in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n

Inclusive Energy Storage Workforce Award<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

NineDot Energy\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> People Operations team are being recognized for its leadership in building a more inclusive clean energy workplace. Through initiatives such as equitable hiring practices, cultural heritage celebrations, innovative social programming, and strategic internships, the team has embedded inclusive practices in a variety of ways throughout NineDot\u2019s daily operations. NineDot is also proud to participate in the NYSERDA Clean Energy Internship Program and the NYSERDA On-the-Job Training Program to support individuals from underrepresented groups.<\/p>\n

Today, 44% of NineDot employees are women and 41% come from historically marginalized communities, well above industry norms. This award honors NineDot\u2019s commitment to making clean energy careers more accessible and representative.<\/p>\n

Community Partnerships and Inclusive Workforce Award<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

This award celebrated programs that integrate hiring, training, and community development to advance a just energy transition. The 2025 award was presented to Viridi<\/strong><\/a> and GreenForce Training Inc<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> for their impactful partnership in Western New York. Viridi, a battery energy storage manufacturer, employs a workforce in which over 50% of employees have come through GreenForce\u2019s programs. These employees benefit from a comprehensive suite of wraparound services, including housing assistance, mental health counseling, childcare, legal support, and leadership development.<\/p>\n

With an employee retention rate of 84%, and over 90% of Viridi\u2019s entry-level workforce coming from disadvantaged communities, this model proves that energy storage can be a powerful engine for economic renewal and equity to set a precedent for replication across New York State.\u00a0\u00a0 More information here. <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Statements from Leaders<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cNY-BEST remains steadfast in its mission to advance energy storage through innovation and collaboration,\u201d said Dr. William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST<\/strong>. \u201cThe Variety Boys & Girls Club\u2019s partnership with the East River Energy Storage team, NineDot Energy\u2019s inclusive workplace, and Viridi\u2019s partnership with GreenForce Training<\/em> exemplify the values needed to ensure energy storage delivers on New York\u2019s vision for a just energy transition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year\u2019s awardees demonstrate the transformative power of energy storage when it\u2019s rooted in equity, partnership, and local impact,\u201d said Eva Gardow, Chair of the NY-BEST Board of Directors.<\/strong> \u201cWe are proud to celebrate their leadership and appreciate their recognition of the community\u2019s role in embracing new energy projects.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are proud to share in this award, which reflects the East River Energy Storage Project team\u2019s commitment to partnering with our organization to create meaningful opportunities for local youth,\u201d said Costa Constantinides, CEO of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens<\/strong>. \u201cAs construction begins on the largest energy storage project in New York, we look forward to building a long-term alliance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c174 Power Global is honored to be recognized by NY-BEST for the Robust Community Partnerships Award,\u201d said Joo Yoon, CEO of 174 Power Global<\/strong>. \u201cAs we begin construction of the East River Energy Storage project to improve the resiliency of our grid, let us also continue to invest in the resiliency of our youth. Our partnership with the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens has been extremely rewarding and entire 174 Power Global East River project team, including Constantinople and Vallone<\/strong> and Strategic Management Group<\/strong>, is proud to be part of this collaborative effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe New York Power Authority thanks NY-BEST for recognizing the East River Storage Project as a Robust Community Partnership that will support renewable energy growth, reduce greenhouse gases and improve grid reliability,\u201d said Justin E. Driscoll, New York Power Authority President and CEO.<\/strong> \u201cCreative community connections, like those formed through this project with Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, ConEdison, Strategic Management Group and Constantinople & Vallone, foster the tangible, local engagement that drives our state\u2019s clean energy transition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCon Edison is proud to be honored for strengthening our communities as we build a more reliable and sustainable energy grid,\u201d said Matthew Ketschke, president of Con Edison<\/strong>. \u201cWe are grateful for our collaboration with the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, and we thank the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium for this recognition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuccessful battery projects are the result of shared beliefs including the benefits of resiliency while addressing the long-term stewardship themes that resonate in communities, including local jobs and career mentoring, education while demonstrating commitment to creating relationships that build trust and connectivity,\u201d said CEO Kelly Sarber of Strategic Management Group.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are proud that Constantinople & Vallone Consulting LLC has been recognized with the Robust Community Partnerships Award by NY-Best in recognition of our role supporting the East River Energy Storage System in Queens,\u201d said Anthony Constantinople, Partner<\/strong>. \u201cThe project represents the culmination of the decades of work by the Vallone family to retire the oil and gas plant formally on the Poletti site and so it is gratifying to see a clean energy project for battery storage re-purpose this brownfield site.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re honored to receive this award and are proud of the culture we\u2019re building at NineDot. Inclusion is a commitment we live every day through our hiring, training, and engagement practices,\u201d said Fred Polirer, Vice President, People & Culture at NineDot Energy. <\/strong>\u201cWe believe that a diverse, empowered team, representative of the communities we serve, is essential to driving innovation and equity in the clean energy transition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis partnership between GreenForce and Viridi shows what\u2019s possible when workforce development is rooted in trust, support, and real opportunity,\u201d said Reverend James E. (Pastor) Giles, Head of Personnel at Viridi.<\/strong> \u201cGreenForce graduates aren\u2019t just finding jobs; they\u2019re building careers in their own communities, with the resources they need to thrive. We\u2019re proud to help set a new standard for inclusive hiring in New York\u2019s energy economy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Award Ceremony was held during NY-BEST\u2019s 15th annual Capture the Energy Conference<\/strong><\/em>, a premier event for professionals in the energy storage sector. The Capture the Energy Conference <\/em>brings together leaders from the energy storage and renewable energy sectors, New York State government, utilities and regulators to explore how energy storage can accelerate progress toward climate goals, modernize the grid, and fuel the clean energy economy.<\/p>\n

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About the Organizations<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

NY-BEST<\/a><\/p>\n

The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) Consortium was created in 2010 to position New York State as a global leader in energy storage technology, including applications in transportation, grid storage, and power electronics. The membership is diverse and includes manufacturers, academic institutions, utilities, technology and materials developers, start-ups, government entities, engineering firms, systems integrators, and end-users. NY-BEST serves as an expert resource to energy storage-related companies and organizations seeking assistance to grow their businesses and includes access to financing, research capabilities, potential partners, technology developers, manufacturers, and other private sector and government resources.<\/p>\n

Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens<\/a><\/p>\n

The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens serves over 4,000 young people each year, and the facility is open to the community 7 days a week. The space includes an indoor swimming pool, makerspace lab, computer room, teaching kitchen, gym, auditorium, art studio, dance studio, film studio, and outdoor playground. Programming serves all children (ages 6-18) including homework help, swimming and sports, coding, engineering, gourmet cooking, drama, dance, media production and so much more.<\/p>\n

174 Power Global<\/a><\/p>\n

174 Power Global is a leading solar and energy storage project developer focused on utility-scale and commercial solutions across the United States. The company delivers innovative, reliable clean energy projects that support decarbonization goals while meeting customer and grid needs.<\/p>\n

New York Power Authority<\/a><\/p>\n

The New York Power Authority is the largest state public power organization in the United States, operating 17 generating facilities and 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. NYPA plays a critical role in advancing New York\u2019s clean energy transition through investments in energy infrastructure, innovation, and statewide decarbonization initiatives.<\/p>\n

Con Edison<\/a><\/p>\n

Con Edison is one of the nation\u2019s largest investor-owned energy companies, providing electric, gas, and steam service to over 10 million people in New York City and Westchester County. The company is committed to building a resilient, sustainable energy future through grid modernization and clean energy investments.<\/p>\n

Strategic Management Group<\/u><\/p>\n

Strategic Management Group is an environmental consulting business with a proven reputation for managing the development of complex environmental projects, and with expertise in renewable energy, waste to energy, biogas, biosolids, anaerobic digestion, drop-in biofuels, wastewater and freshwater treatment facilities, solid waste landfills, recycling and composting.<\/p>\n

Constantinople & Vallone<\/a><\/p>\n

Constantinople & Vallone is a strategic consulting firm specializing in government relations, public affairs, and community engagement. With deep experience navigating New York\u2019s regulatory and political landscape, the firm helps clients advance impactful projects and build strong, lasting relationships with stakeholders and communities.<\/p>\n

NineDot Energy<\/a><\/p>\n

NineDot Energy is a New York-based developer of community-scale battery energy storage projects that support grid reliability, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and deliver local environmental benefits. With a focus on the New York City metro area, NineDot builds and operates innovative solutions that help modernize the electric grid and meet New York State\u2019s ambitious climate goals to make the local community cleaner, healthier and safer.<\/p>\n

GreenForce Training<\/a><\/p>\n

GreenForce Training Inc. is a Buffalo-based workforce development program that provides training, certification, and wraparound support services to individuals from disadvantaged communities seeking careers in the clean energy and construction sectors. Through strategic employer partnerships and holistic support, including housing assistance, childcare, and mental health services, GreenForce creates pathways to long-term employment and community empowerment.<\/p>\n

Viridi<\/a><\/p>\n

Viridi is a New York-based manufacturer of advanced battery energy storage systems designed for grid, commercial, and industrial applications. Located in a disadvantaged community in Western New York, Viridi is committed to delivering high-performance clean energy solutions while creating high-quality manufacturing jobs that support local economic development.<\/p>\n

The post NY-BEST Announces Energy Storage Partnerships Award Winners<\/a> first appeared on Informed Infrastructure<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Three Initiatives Honored for Advancing Energy Storage Community Partnerships and Inclusive Workforce Initiatives \u00a0 Albany, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5652"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5652"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5652\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5653,"href":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5652\/revisions\/5653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5652"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5652"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/mywatchseries.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5652"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}