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Builds on Existing Working Relationship and Will Help Grow Thermal Energy Networks, Energy Efficiency, Demand Flexibility and Innovative Fuels
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities (Danish Energy Ministry) today announced an expansion of a cooperative agreement to collaborate on developing renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions. The new agreement will facilitate coordination and planning for long-term energy system flexibility in New York State and Denmark.
Unveiled at the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, the agreement builds on the successful existing working relationship between NYSERDA and the Danish Energy Ministry and recognizes a shared common interest in growing thermal energy networks, energy efficiency, demand flexibility, decarbonization, and innovative advanced fuels.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “For nearly a decade, NYSERDA has worked with the Danish Ministry of Energy, Utilities, and Climate to explore and develop innovative technologies that support New York State’s energy transition. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we look forward to continuing to share information, research, and best practices that can help inform new clean energy and energy efficiency strategies to provide the strongest benefits to New Yorkers while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and creating a strong, sustainable, and affordable future for our State.”
Denmark’s Climate Ambassador Mr. Ole Thonke said, “Building on nearly a decade of trust, Denmark is thrilled to renew and broaden our partnership with the State of New York. Signing this expanded agreement with NYSERDA at the COP underscores the power of international leadership. By adding new key areas to our joint efforts, we strengthen a vital transatlantic bridge and demonstrate how shared ambitions turn into tangible progress on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The collaborative agreement focuses on:
Thermal Energy Networks
Thermal energy networks connect multiple buildings through unified networks to bring clean heating and cooling to New Yorkers while creating jobs and economic growth. This agreement will explore:
- Viability, pricing, and whole-system benefits for district heating and thermal energy in New York State.
- Heating networks and other energy sectors using excess heat from industrial and energy intensive facilities.
- Heat storage to support demand flexibility, electricity system balancing, and the integration of variable renewable energy.
Energy Efficiency, Demand Flexibility and Decarbonization
Energy efficiency, demand flexibility and decarbonization technologies can be scaled in new and existing buildings to reduce energy demand and lower operating costs to help improve affordability for owners and occupants. This agreement will explore:
- Regulatory framework for increased adoption in industrial, commercial, residential sectors and in buildings, appliances and manufacturing.
- Increasing use of energy audits and strategic energy management and national and regional energy strategies to implement energy saving targets through energy planning and modeling.
- Innovative solutions for the efficient use of energy by integrating sectors, such as using waste heat from energy intensive facilities for industrial or residential heating.
Innovative Fuels
Innovative fuels can reduce emissions in hard-to-electrify sectors of the economy, such as heavy-duty transportation and industry, or provide low-carbon backup power. This agreement will explore:
- Best practices and strategies to encourage market development and accelerate the production and deployment of bio based and other alternative fuels.
- Sharing fuel system planning approaches to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels while supporting reliable provision of essential energy services.
The cooperative agreement expands the collaboration between New York and Denmark that began in 2018 to advance clean energy innovation and development as economic drivers and critical solutions in the global fight against a changing climate. The original MOU facilitated the sharing of expertise and knowledge critical to developing innovative solutions for the deployment of offshore wind energy including how to build replicable models for contract structures and port systems, which can support the growing industry. In 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, the agreement was expanded to also foster a diverse portfolio of solutions including green hydrogen. Additionally, in 2021, NYSERDA and the Confederation of Danish Industry, Denmark’s largest private business and employers’ organization, announced an agreement designed to enhance collaboration on decarbonizing high-rise buildings in New York State.
CHARGE Agenda
The Clean, Highly Affordable, Reliable Grid Expansion (CHARGE) agenda is a comprehensive plan to keep the lights on and costs down for New Yorkers while achieving a reliable, zero-emission grid. The five-pronged strategy focuses on driving down consumer costs, holding energy companies accountable, building clean energy at scale, modernizing the state’s aging grid, and growing a clean economy with family-sustaining jobs. Through bold initiatives like the Ratepayer Protection Plan, historic transmission buildouts, and a new 8.4-gigawatt “Nuclear Backbone,” the CHARGE agenda ensures an affordable, resilient, and self-sufficient energy future that prioritizes everyday ratepayers while building a cleaner, more sustainable New York.
NYSERDA
Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York’s energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov.