Renewable Energy Global Headquarters Dedicated; a $45 Million Investment in the Future of GE in Schenectady
Author: ecolocal | 
650 New Jobs Have Been Created; Facility Meets Federal “Green Building” Standards
SCHENECTADY, N.Y.—February 1, 2010—Federal, state and local officials joined GE (NYSE:GE) representatives today to celebrate the official dedication of GE’s Renewable Energy Global Headquarters. The state-of-the-art, eco-friendly facility is a $45 million renovation of the 100-year-old Building 53 on GE’s Schenectady campus.
The establishment of the Renewable Energy Global Headquarters in Schenectady has spurred the creation of more than 650 new jobs locally, 150 more than originally anticipated and a year ahead of schedule.
“This facility is an investment in the future of GE in Schenectady,” said Steve Bolze, president and CEO, GE Power & Water. “It will help ensure that New York continues to be a global leader in sustainable technology, as GE’s renewable energy business continues to support the growth of a green economy.”
Bolze thanked government and community officials for their support in the development of the new facility, which received $5 million in funding from New York State, $2.8 million in local incentives and nearly $750,000 in grants from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
“The rebirth of Building 53 as our Renewable Energy Global Headquarters is an important symbol of the rapid growth and success of our renewable energy business, particularly in the wind sector,” said Victor Abate, vice president-renewable energy for GE Power & Water. “When we entered the wind energy industry in 2002, it was a $200 million business for us. Today, it has grown into a vibrant business of more than $6 billion.”
The event also marked the installation of GE’s 13,500th wind turbine globally, further demonstrating the continued growth of GE’S renewable energy business. GE is the largest supplier of wind turbines in North America, and the company’s 1.5-megawatt wind turbine is the most used wind turbine in the world. GE’s global installed fleet generates enough electricity to power nearly 6 million U.S. homes.
The renovated Building 53 meets federal Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building standards and will be 20% more energy efficient than required by New York State building standards. Features include low-water faucets and improved insulation, energy efficient hot water boilers and air conditioning system, energy efficient, larger windows and bike racks and preferred parking for hybrid vehicles.
“We wanted to make sure that Building 53 captures the spirit of our renewable energy business, which is committed to developing and delivering cleaner and more efficient energy solutions for our customers worldwide,” noted Abate.
A 48-kilowatt GE solar system installed nearby helps to power the building, and a four-story atrium houses a scale model wind turbine and interactive displays featuring GE’s renewable energy technologies.
A state-of-the-art Remote Operations Center is one of two global facilities that provide continuous monitoring and diagnostic services for GE’S installed base of wind turbines and solar power electronics.
New York Officials Comment on Dedication of GE’s Renewable Energy Global Headquarters
Governor David A. Paterson, New York
“GE’s decision to open their Renewable Energy Global Headquarters in Schenectady is the latest and best example of how we are transforming the economy in upstate New York. By using public dollars to spur private investment, we are not only creating hundreds of good jobs at a time when jobs are most needed; we are also investing in the growth area of New York’s future — clean energy technology. We are rebuilding our State for the New Economy by training workers in clean energy fields, supporting businesses that provide clean energy products and services, and by growing the markets for those products and services. GE has been an outstanding partner in helping us make this transition to the clean energy economy, and I applaud their commitment to New Yorkers.”
Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch, New York
“Today, we welcome not only an engine of economic development, but also an innovation center that will help New York meet its clean and renewable energy goals. GE - through partnerships with New York State and the City and County of Schenectady - is making investments that put New Yorkers back to work. This ribbon-cutting symbolizes not only the creation of hundreds of jobs at a time when jobs are most needed; it represents the creation of those jobs in a growth area of our future - clean energy technology.”
Paul D. Tonko, U.S. Congressman (NY-21)
“I want to congratulate and thank GE for making this commitment to our community, which brings hundreds of new jobs to Schenectady and adds to the region’s national reputation as a leader in high technology and renewable energy. I am proud to have supported this project, which has transformed a 100-year old building with state of the art green construction, and is representative of GE’s dedication to innovation and renewable energy solutions that will help power a new green economy.”
Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature
“We very much appreciate GE’s decision to locate the Renewable Energy Global Headquarters in Schenectady County. This will position our County to be a leader in green energy, one of the fastest growing and most important technology sectors.”
Mayor Brian U. Stratton, Schenectady
“GE’s leadership in renewable energy is helping to bring new investment and new jobs to Schenectady. This is more great news for our City and the entire Capital Region.”
Last Updated (Wednesday, 10 February 2010 19:41)
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