Plug Power to invest $3.7M in Rochester facility, create more than 80 jobs

Plug Power Inc., a leading provider of alternative energy technology headquartered, plans to invest $3.7 million to establish a Membrane Electrode Assemblies facility in Rochester’s Eastman Business Park, creating more than 80 new jobs.

Combined with a previously announced expansion plan in the Capital Region, the company has committed to investing nearly $6.5 million total to create more than 180 jobs statewide. It builds upon New York State’s partnership with Plug Power, which includes a $45 million credit facility provided to the company by NY Green Bank in 2017 to support clean technology deployment and accelerate innovation.

Plug Power previously announced that it was investing nearly $2.8 million to create a model Hub and Spoke Fuel Distribution center and sub-assembly manufacturing facility in Clifton Park, Saratoga County. Empire State Development is supporting this project by providing up to $1.2 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits.

Plug Power last year also announced that it had acquired Rochester-based American Fuel Cell, a company that received investment support from New York Ventures, Empire State Development’s venture capital division. American Fuel Cell creates Membrane Electrode Assembly technology, which allows fuel cells to create power and generate clean sources of electricity. New York Ventures is dedicated to encouraging innovation and fueling economic growth in communities across the state.

 “It’s an exciting time to be in the clean energy industry, with people leaning in to support businesses that value corporate social responsibility,” said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power. This deep understanding of the global challenges we face today and the need for clean, sustainable solutions, is creating demand within the alternative energy space. The people behind Plug Power’s technology are the driving force of hydrogen fuel cell innovation and adoption.”