Large Scale Non-drop-in Alternative Fuels Based Resources and Infrastructure

Up to $8 million in funding under Program Opportunity Notice (PON) 6161 is available to support the development and demonstration of large-scale alternative fuel-based resources and enabling infrastructure. This support aims to address key barriers to deployment, including cost, system integration, scalability, and infrastructure constraints, to enable broader adoption of non-drop-in fuels in industrial and grid-support applications across New York State.

This competitive solicitation, offered through NYSERDA’s Advanced Fuels Program, seeks qualified proposals from project teams with demonstrated expertise in technology development, system integration, and project execution. For demonstration projects, teams are expected to include a technology developer, an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm or equivalent system integrator, and a host site located in New York State. Additional partners supporting fuel supply, infrastructure, or system integration are encouraged where applicable.

Eligible projects must present clearly defined and innovative solutions aligned with one of two Technical Areas: (1) large-scale alternative fuel-based resources, including non-combustion power systems capable of multi-megawatt output and long-duration operation, or (2) alternative fuel infrastructure, including production, storage, distribution, and integrated systems. Projects must demonstrate technical feasibility, scalability, and a clear pathway to deployment within New York State.

Selected projects will be expected to complete comprehensive technical, economic, and operational analyses, including technoeconomic analysis (TEA), system design and integration, performance validation, and evaluation of emissions reductions relative to conventional systems. Demonstration projects must validate system performance under real-world operating conditions.

NYSERDA will host an informational webinar to provide additional details on the solicitation, project requirements, and application process. Proposals are due by September 28, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Proposals must include a complete Statement of Work clearly addressing all solicitation requirements outlined in PON 6161.

Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, cost-effectiveness, scalability, market potential, and overall project viability. NYSERDA reserves the right to award all, some, or none of the available funds and to extend or increase funding if additional resources become available.

For more information on the Clean Hydrogen Innovation program please see the NYSERDA Clean Hydrogen webpage and join our mailing list to stay connected.

Solicitation number: PON 6161 · Type: Program Opportunity Notice · Schedule: Due Date / Multi Round · Issued by: NYSERDA

Round 1: Proposals due September 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern.

Contacts: Eliseo Curcio, pon6161@nyserda.ny.gov

Documents: Summary · Attachment A – Proposal Narrative Template · Attachment B – Statement of Work Template (Workbook) · Attachment C – TRL Definition and Requirements · Attachment D – Letter of Support from Municipalities (for Category B) · Attachment E – Executive Summary Slide Template · Attachment F – Metrics Form · Attachment G – Sample Agreement (for reference only; does not need to be filled) · Disclosure Statement · Executive Order 16 and Explanation

Apply and read the full notice on NYSERDA's solicitation portal.

A Program Opportunity Notice is how NYSERDA funds work: it announces cost-shared incentives or program participation, and contractors, consultants and installers typically take part by enrolling or by proposing a project. It is not a construction bid.