AlphaGen has tabled its proposal for 819MW Gowanus and Narrows Repowering Projects to strengthen grid reliability in New York City. The proposal highlights a portfolio of complimentary solutions that are designed to ensure grid reliability while supporting the state’s clean energy transition.

The proposal focuses on the Gowanus and Narrows Repowering Projects. Its scope entails replacing aging, less efficient power generation units on six barges at the Gowanus and Narrows Generating Stations in Brooklyn. The six will be replaced by three new state-of-the-art, lower emitting power barges.

Moreover, the new barges will each deliver 273 MW of fast-start, dispatchable capacity critical for maintaining system stability during peak demand and extreme weather events. These totals to a potential 819 MW of new capacity.

The projects will reduce emissions intensity by more than 50% compared to the existing units. Furthermore, they are designed to be hydrogen-ready, aligning with New York’s long-term decarbonization goals. The neighboring state of New Jersey is also making similar reliable energy strides as state regulators in New Jersey have selected a large battery storage project in Bergen County to participate in a program aimed at strengthening grid reliability as electricity demand rises across the region.

Outlook on the AlphaGen Gowanus and Narrows Repowering Projects

The AlphaGen Gowanus and Narrows Repowering Projects proposal is one that Curt Morgan, CEO of AlphaGen has supported. “AlphaGen’s Repowering Projects would be sited in the very same location as the existing power generation units, would ensure continued reliability of the electric grid and would utilize newer, cleaner technology that can be delivered and operational on an accelerated timeline to meet the city’s urgent needs,” he noted.

The firm expects that the New York Independent System Operator will determine that the existing Gowanus and Narrows generating units will be needed for reliability through at least May 1, 2029. Other factors such as tightening resource adequacy margins and also uncertainty around the timing of replacement resources capable of delivering equivalent reliability services may extend that time.

The existing dual-fuel units recently demonstrated their critical role in maintaining system stability and affordability during peak winter conditions. AlphaGen’s Repowering Projects can be pursued collectively to fully replace the reliability and affordability benefits of the existing units. On the other hand, it could individually operate in parallel with the existing generation should continued operation be necessary and permitted beyond May 1, 2029.

Other Proposals

In addition to the Repowering Projects, AlphaGen’s proposal also include:

• Two utility-scale battery energy storage systems (the Luster Creek Energy Storage Projects) totaling 126 MW / 504 MWh at Astoria Generating Station in Queens.
• A proposed 150 MW / 600 MWh battery project at the Gowanus site, with potential for barge-based deployment.

Battery energy storage systems are a critical complement to the Repowering Projects. Batteries offer near-instantaneous response to short-term fluctuations in demand and frequency compared to repowered barges. Together, these technologies form a resilient and flexible reliability backbone for New York City. Moreover, they offer a flexible, modular, and scalable portfolio that leverages existing infrastructure and minimizes environmental and community impacts.

Project Overview

• Total Capacity: 819 MW
• Project Type: Power plant repowering (barge-based generation)
• Developer: AlphaGen
• Goal: Enhance grid reliability and facilitate clean energy transition.

Location

• Locations: Gowanus and Narrows Generating Stations.
• Neighborhood: Brooklyn, New York City.
• Country: United States

Key Developer

• AlphaGen

Core Scope

• Refurbishment of 6 old power barges.
• Installation of 3 new high efficiency power barges.
• Capacity per barge: 273 MW
• Total New Capacity: 819 MW

Technical Features

• Quick-start, dispatchable generation.
• Built to meet peak demand and extreme weather conditions.
• Hydrogen-ready infrastructure
• Emissions cut: >50% vs current units.

Project Timeline & Status

• Proposal Stage: Submitted

Other Energy Storage Projects.

Luster Creek Storage (Queens):

• Capacity: 126 MW / 504 MWh
• Site: Astoria Generating Station.

Gowanus Battery Project:

• Capacity: 150 MW / 600 MWh
• Possible barge deployment.

Strategic Significance

• Improves grid stability and reliability in NYC.
• Favors renewable energy.
• Takes advantage of the available infrastructure to minimize environmental impact.
• Offers scalable and flexible energy solutions.