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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Plug Power Plans Henrietta, New York, Gigafactory

01/20/2021
Alternative energy technology provider Plug Power Inc. will establish a $125 million Innovation Center Gigafactory in the Town of Henrietta, New York. The project is expected to create 377 new jobs.

The center in Monroe County will be the first world's first Gigafactory for Proton Exchange Membrane technology. The company will use this facility to manufacture hydrogen fuel cell stacks and electrolyzers. Renovation work on the facility, located at 1025 John Street, will begin in the first quarter of 2021 with manufacturing expected to begin in mid-2021

"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."

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 utilized in the generation of green hydrogen from renewable electricity.

According to state officials, 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 this major 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," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "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 addition to today's announcement, Plug Power in 2019 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.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul added,"This new innovation center in Monroe County is a testament to Plug Power's commitment and success in New York State. The investment will create about 380 new jobs in the area and continue to advance the high-tech industry in the Finger Lakes region and across the state. New York is proud to support energy companies like Plug Power that are building on our efforts to increase renewable energy and help to build back better, cleaner and greener to strengthen the economy, combat climate change, and create new opportunities."

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