A $100 million investment to decarbonize the New York State Capitol complex is in the works in Albany.
The Times-Union reported that the 98-acre complex will, upon completion, operate as a thermal energy network. A steam generation plant heats and cools the complex buildings, which include the Capitol and a performing arts venue in addition to other government buildings.
The first phase of the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 20 percent with the installation of electric chillers. The complex currently has one electric and four steam chillers. A heat-recovery chiller will also be installed to provide year-round “heating and domestic water needs” for the complex.
The website said the project is expected to take more than 15 years to complete as the state looks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet state emissions goals.
There are currently no plans to remove the steam plant, which will remain and serve only as an emergency backup plan as the complex transitions to geothermal energy.
New York has a mandate to reduce 85 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2050. A climate law also calls for the state’s electrical grid to be 70 percent renewably sourced by 2030 and emission free by 2040.
The $100 million is expected to cover the first phase and part of the second.
The state has almost 12 million square feet of buildings that will need to be addressed to reach the emissions goals. Simpler projects are already taking place at locations such as adding LED lighting.
Dave Lubach is executive editor for the facility market.
