AlphaGen Proposes Repowering and Battery Projects to Secure NYC's Long-Term Grid Reliability

Utility-scale battery storage and repowered generation barges aim to ensure reliability and support clean energy transition

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:00am

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AlphaGen, a strategic partnership owned by ArcLight, has submitted a proposal to Con Edison outlining a portfolio of projects designed to address long-term electric system needs in New York City. The proposal includes the Gowanus and Narrows Repowering Projects, which would replace aging power generation units with new, lower-emitting barges, as well as utility-scale battery energy storage systems at the Astoria Generating Station and Gowanus site. Together, these solutions aim to ensure grid reliability while supporting New York's clean energy goals.

Why it matters

New York City's electric grid is facing growing reliability challenges as older infrastructure retires and demand continues to rise. AlphaGen's proposal offers a practical and forward-looking solution that balances reliability and sustainability, providing fast-start, dispatchable capacity from repowered generation units alongside battery storage to support the state's clean energy transition.

The details

AlphaGen's Gowanus and Narrows Repowering Projects would replace aging power generation units on six barges with three new, state-of-the-art, lower-emitting power barges. The new barges would deliver 273 MW of fast-start, dispatchable capacity each, for a potential total of 819 MW of new capacity. The projects would reduce emissions intensity by more than 50% compared to the existing units and are designed to be hydrogen-ready. AlphaGen's proposal also includes two utility-scale battery energy storage systems totaling 126 MW / 504 MWh at the Astoria Generating Station, as well as a proposed 150 MW / 600 MWh battery project at the Gowanus site.

  • AlphaGen expects the existing Gowanus and Narrows generating units, currently authorized to operate through May 1, 2027, will be needed for reliability through at least May 1, 2029.
  • The existing dual-fuel units (natural gas and ultra-low sulfur diesel) recently demonstrated their critical role in maintaining system stability and affordability during peak winter conditions, generating over 400 hours of electricity on USLD when natural gas was either unavailable or priced 7 to 10 times higher.

The players

AlphaGen

A strategic partnership formed and owned by an affiliate of ArcLight to own and operate critical power infrastructure, managing over 13,000 megawatts of power infrastructure across four RTO markets.

Curt Morgan

CEO of AlphaGen.

Con Edison

The utility company that issued the Request for Information (RFI) seeking clean and non-emitting reliability solutions to address long-term electric system needs in New York City.

New York Independent System Operator

The organization that will determine the continued need for the existing Gowanus and Narrows generating units.

New York State Energy Plan

The 2025 plan that recognizes the continued need for thermal-based generation to ensure reliability until clean alternatives can fully meet system needs.

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What they’re saying

“New York City's electric grid is facing a growing reliability gap as older infrastructure retires and demand continues to rise. 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.”

— Curt Morgan, CEO of AlphaGen

“Repowering recognizes the realities of current power technology and the need to balance reliability with sustainability. It is not intended to be an affront to the CLCPA or the Commission initiated RFI process which seeks non-emitting solutions, but to start a conversation about supporting cleaner technology as a bridge to a zero-emissions future.”

— Curt Morgan, CEO of AlphaGen

What’s next

AlphaGen is calling for targeted regulatory flexibility to allow for staged interconnection and continued operation of existing units during construction of the Repowering Projects.

The takeaway

AlphaGen's proposal offers a practical and flexible solution to address New York City's growing grid reliability needs while supporting the state's clean energy transition. The combination of repowered generation and utility-scale battery storage aims to ensure both immediate and sustained reliability during peak demand and extreme weather events.