Plug Power to build $125M Innovation Center in Henrietta
Alternative energy technology provider Plug Power Inc. plans to build a $125 million Innovation Center, creating 377 new jobs. Located in Henrietta, the center will be the first world’s first Gigafactory for Proton Exchange Membrane technology.
Plug Power 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 used in the generation of green hydrogen from renewable electricity. Renovation work on the facility at 1025 John St. will begin in the first quarter. Manufacturing is 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 the 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,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “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.”
In 2019, Plug Power announced plans to expand its presence in New York state, investing $3.7 million to establish a Membrane Electrode Assemblies facility in Rochester’s Eastman Business Park, creating more than 80 new jobs. The company had also previously announced an expansion plan in the Capital Region committing to investing nearly $6.5 million to create more than 180 jobs statewide.
Founded in 1997 in Albany County, Plug Power created the first commercially viable market for hydrogen fuel cell technology. and has deployed more than 38,000 fuel cell systems for e-mobility. It has become the largest buyer of liquid hydrogen, having built and operated a hydrogen highway across North America.
“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,” said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power. “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.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello called Monroe County an ideal fit for Plug Power’s new innovation center.
“Monroe County is committed to creating a more sustainable and energy efficient community, Plug Power’s presence will help to strengthen that commitment,” he said.