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Albany-Based Energy Catalyst Awarded $5 Million DOE Grant to Expand Geothermal Heat Pump Manufacturing Facility in New York’s Capital Region

Energy Catalyst, a leading innovator in geothermal heat pump technology headquartered in Albany, New York, has been granted a significant boost in its mission to revolutionize clean energy solutions. On November 17, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi proudly announced the selection of Energy Catalyst and their co-applicant Hydro-Temp as one of the recipients of the Department of Energy’s highly competitive Defense Production Act program aimed at bolstering U.S. Heat Pump manufacturing.

Energy Catalyst, in collaboration with Hydro-Temp Inc, based in Pocahontas, AR, secured over $10 million in funding, marking a pivotal moment in advancing sustainable energy solutions across North America. Among the eight awardees, this unique partnership stands out for its commitment to innovation and meeting the escalating demand for eco-friendly heating solutions.

At the core of this endeavor lies Energy Catalyst’s groundbreaking technology—an Energy Star certified ground source heat pump that uniquely repurposes existing heating infrastructures in homes utilizing baseboard or radiators. With the Department of Energy’s investment of over $5 million, Energy Catalyst is poised to construct and expand its manufacturing capabilities within the Capital Region of New York.

Founder and visionary behind Energy Catalyst, Matt Desmarais, expressed his excitement. “Today marks a tremendous milestone for our grassroots company, born from a simple science experiment in my basement. This support propels us towards our goal of reducing geothermal heating costs through pioneering technological advancements, while simultaneously elevating heat pump efficiency to unprecedented levels. Our mission aligns with the nation’s clean energy objectives, and this grant fuels our commitment to that cause.”

The ambitious expansion plan entails the development of a state-of-the-art facility covering approximately 25,000 square feet. This facility will house cutting-edge automated manufacturing equipment, a high-precision testing laboratory, and an extensive contractor training space. Energy Catalyst is set to establish an IGSHPA-certified training program, aiming to educate and empower disadvantaged youth, MBE/WBE/veteran contractors, and professionals in diverse geothermal topics. This initiative not only addresses the burgeoning demand for clean energy experts in New York State but also champions inclusivity within the industry.

Moreover, Energy Catalyst anticipates the creation of up to 50 employment opportunities over the next five years, fortifying the region’s workforce while contributing to the local economy.

Read G.E.T.’s past coverage of Energy Catalyst in the December 2022 issue at https://bit.ly/GET-ECT-12-22 and the June 2022 issue at https://bit.ly/GET-ECT-6-22

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Matt Desmarais of Energy Catalyst Technologies