As global cities push for cleaner energy systems, New York City emerges as a leader in battery innovation. On April 24, the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan will host a significant panel discussion titled “New York State of Charge: The Status of Battery Innovation.” The event is organized by The New York Climate Exchange and Stony Brook University, focusing on battery technology, deployment strategies, and circularity in energy systems.
David Hamilton, senior center director of energy innovation in Stony Brook University’s Office for Research and Innovation, is scheduled to speak at the event. He will address sustainable infrastructure and energy fairness. Hamilton emphasized the importance of the event in his career and the necessity of sustainable energy systems.
"Most of my career has been in the energy space. I graduated from Clarkson University with an electrical engineering degree, and my first job was at the Long Island Lighting Company, which eventually turned into Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and PSEG Long Island," Hamilton explained. He described his work with organizations such as Plug Power and Empower Solar, noting how these experiences deepened his focus on clean energy.
In discussing battery innovation, Hamilton stressed the role of energy storage. "Energy storage is absolutely critical — and batteries are at the heart of it. Batteries will continue to be a critical part of our life, but we need to figure out how to use them properly, use them efficiently, use them for as long as we can, where we don’t have to worry about landfills and recycling," he said.
Hamilton oversees Stony Brook's contributions to battery innovation. "We have several centers that are funded by New York State that we have in the Office for Research and Innovation. So I oversee the New York State Center of Excellence in Advanced Energy, which is known as the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC). And then we also have a Center for Advanced Technology, which is the Center for Integrated Electric Energy Systems (CIEES)," he explained.
Reflecting on past initiatives, Hamilton noted the evolving nature of energy technology. "Technologies always change. They always grow. The energy portfolio and the innovations that we use are constantly shifting, right?" He added this adaptability is essential in addressing challenges like those faced in the offshore wind industry.
Hamilton hopes attendees leave with a better understanding and inspiration regarding batteries and energy storage. "Hopefully, this helps people walk away with a deeper understanding of batteries and energy storage — how they work, why they matter and how we can use them more responsibly and effectively."
Hamilton believes the partnership with The New York City Climate Exchange emphasizes New York's dedication to sustainability. "Having the New York City Climate Exchange partner with us on this effort — focused on driving real solutions for urban environments, particularly in New York City — sends a powerful message."
He described the event in three words: "Innovative. Collaborative. Forward-thinking."
— Oluwatoyin Kupoluyi