Plug Power will establish a $125 million Innovation Center in New York State creating 377 new jobs, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo informed.
The center, located in the Town of Henrietta, Monroe County, will be the first world’s first Gigafactory for Proton Exchange Membrane technology. The company will use this facility to manufacture hydrogen fuel cell stacks and electrolyzers.
The fuel cell stacks are used in its ProGen hydrogen fuel cell engines, which are used to power a variety of electric vehicles including material handling equipment, on-road commercial fleet vehicles, and drones.
The electrolyzers are utilized in the generation of green hydrogen from renewable electricity. Renovation work on the facility will begin in the first quarter of 2021 with manufacturing expected to begin in mid-2021.
The company’s decision to expand operations and continued investment and job creation in New York is supported by Empire State Development, which is providing $13 million in Excelsior Tax Credits for this major project. Monroe County, Rochester Gas and Electric and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the project.
“For years, Plug Power has been a critical partner in helping move both the state and nation towards a cleaner, greener future, as well as in helping strengthen local economies and create jobs. The company’s continued investment and expansion in the Finger Lakes region is truly a testament to their commitment to this effort. This state-of-the-art Innovation Center will not only further establish New York a center for green energy excellence and create hundreds of jobs, but also play a key role in helping reach the goals set forth in our nation-leading climate and clean energy agenda.”
Governor Cuomo.
“We are thrilled to expand in our home state of New York, announcing Rochester, New York as the location for the world’s first PEM stack and electrolyzer Plug Power Innovation Center. Among many great options, none could match Rochester in terms of talent, local supplier networks, and opportunities to partner with top-tier research institutions. With this decision, we are positioning the company and the region as global leaders in PEM technology, driving scale and industry transformation. Many thanks to New York state for its’ continued support including Governor Cuomo, Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Joe Morelle, and many from Empire State Development and Greater Rochester Enterprise.”
Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power.
