National Grid Ventures (NGV) announced that it will install the first commercially deployed, 100 percent hydrogen-fueled linear generator in the world at its Northport Power Plant. The Northport Power Plant is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). The remaining funding is provided directly by NGV, while Stony Brook University and Mainspring Energy are also essential project partners.
The linear generator produces power through a low-temperature, flameless chemical reaction and can be used during periods of peak demand. It will run on 100 percent green hydrogen while undergoing rigorous testing for the testing period of 12 months. By September 2026, the linear generator is expected to be operational.
“This hydrogen-fueled, commercial linear generator is the world’s first and an important step in developing the energy resources of tomorrow,” said Will Hazelip, President of National Grid Ventures, US. “This innovative technology is useful in National Grid’s work to meet the rapidly rising demand for energy across the region. It has the ability to change fuels as market conditions change to avoid burdening customers with unnecessary costs. Keeping the grid reliable and resilient requires a broad range of energy sources, and this linear generator pilot at National Grid’s Northport plant will add yet another flexible tool to protect against loss of generation capacity at critical times.”
According to its 2023-2042 System & Resource Outlook, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) anticipates that at least 20 gigawatts of Dispatchable Emission-Free Resources (DEFR) will be needed by 2040. This will further support New York’s clean energy mandates. This figure will contribute to replacing current fossil fuel generation that will transition towards a zero-carbon electric grid.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “NYSERDA is proud to support National Grid Ventures’ hydrogen-fueled commercial linear generator, which represents a pivotal frontier in building a resilient electricity grid to power Long Island homes and businesses. This first-of-its-kind project will demonstrate how clean hydrogen can serve as a dispatchable resource to help maintain grid reliability while supporting an affordable energy transition.”
“LIPA is proud to support this groundbreaking project that positions Long Island at the forefront of clean energy innovation,” said Carrie Meek Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of the Long Island Power Authority. “This pilot project reflects our commitment to advancing dispatchable, zero-emission technologies essential to meeting New York’s climate goals and enhancing reliability. This exciting partnership is bringing together stakeholders across the state to shape a more resilient, reliable, and carbon-free electric grid.”
The program will prove the linear generator’s viability as a DEFR for Long Island’s electrical grid. This can be quickly brought online to supplement other generation sources during times of peak demand. It will undergo a thorough independent evaluation at the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) at Stony Brook University, once operations begin in 2026.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering’s Assistant Professor Dimitris Assanis will lead the team that will design the framework and methodologies. The framework and methodologies are required to ensure the linear generator’s performance, emissions, efficiency, and noise levels that are suitable for the needs of the local power grid both today and into the future.
“This project is significant on multiple fronts,” said Kevin Gardner, Vice President for Research and Innovation at Stony Brook University. “It underscores Stony Brook University’s leadership and commitment to enhancing regional energy reliability through our collaboration with National Grid Ventures, LIPA, Mainspring Energy, and NYSERDA. Just as important, it offers hands-on, real-world experience to our students—the future leaders of the energy engineering field.”
“The best strategy for ensuring reliable, affordable power into the future is building in flexibility today,” said Adam Simpson, Chief Commercial Officer, Mainspring Energy. “This visionary project provides the opportunity to demonstrate how Mainspring’s flexible linear generator platform can bring DEFRs to the State of New York and other regions looking for reliable, low-cost, next-generation energy portfolios to power the economy of tomorrow. It’s an honor to partner on this with National Grid Ventures, and we are deeply grateful to NYSERDA, LIPA, and Stony Brook for their support and collaboration.”
The hydrogen-fueled linear generator of Mainspring is fuel-flexible, referring to change fuel sources in real time while in operation. The fuel sources include hydrogen, biogas, natural gas, or any blends of these. Further, the products do not require high purity hydrogen. This fuel-flexibility ensures that the linear generator capacity can stay online when needed most.
