An Albany-area alternative energy company will be expanding into the Eastman Business Park and adding more than 80 jobs there.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says that Plug Power, which makes products that include hydrogen fuel cells, is investing $3.7 million at the business park.
Andy Marsh is the company’s CEO. He says that even after General Motors pulled its fuel cell research facility out of Honeoye Falls several years ago, they left behind people who are still very knowledgeable about that technology.
“Rochester had a position in the auto industry, and as we move into more motive type products, there was a great deal of capability that was left behind in Rochester, specifically in fuel cell development," Marsh told WXXI News.
Plug Power currently makes products used by commercial businesses, such as industrial vehicles that use fuel cells, such as forklifts. But Marsh says they want to continue to explore fuel cell technology for other types of vehicles.
“On-road delivery vans, trailers, where vehicles are on the road many hours a day and therefore range and fast-fueling have a lot of value," Marsh said.
The state is providing up to $1.2 million in tax credits for the expansion at Eastman Business Park.
Previously, New York state helped Plug Power with the ability to borrow $45 million by NY Green Bank, which is part of NYSERDA, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Cuomo says that Plug Power previously announced an expansion in the Albany area.
