Viridi Showcases Clean Energy Innovation at the Great New York State Fair

This year, Viridi, a Buffalo-based energy storage leader, demonstrated how battery technology is transforming events and advancing New York State’s climate and economic goals.

Viridi participated alongside the NSF Energy Storage Engine, led by Binghamton University. Their groundbreaking initiative brings together industry and academic leaders to strengthen New York State’s domestic battery supply chain—advancing every stage of the sector, from material sourcing and sustainable manufacturing to safety testing, applications integration, and workforce development.

Inside the NYS Energy & Environment Experience at the Center of Progress Building, Viridi is highlighting the practical applications of clean energy with its mobile battery energy storage systems (BESS). These systems are proving critical for powering events without the noise, emissions, or heavy fuel demands of traditional diesel generators.

The New York State Fair itself has historically spent up to $10,000 per day on diesel fuel. By contrast, Viridi’s mobile storage systems deliver:

• Zero-emission, 100% electric power
• 60–80% less fuel consumption in hybrid mode when paired with a generator
• Quiet operations that enhance concerts, entertainment, and visitor experiences
• Fail-safe architecture, with over 63.15 MWh of portable power deployed without incident
• 492,493 pounds of CO₂ avoided and more than 22,000 gallons of fuel saved to date

“For too long, major events have relied on noisy, polluting generators that don’t reflect the world we’re trying to build,” said Jon M. Williams, CEO of Viridi. “By deploying safe, reliable battery storage made here in New York, we’re proving that large-scale gatherings—from state fairs to sporting events to concerts—can be powered cleanly and responsibly without compromise.”

Beyond the State Fair, Viridi’s impact is already visible across New York—Viridi’s Mobile Energy Storage System is powering microgrids at West Point—cutting energy costs and emissions during cadet training. It energized GovBall NYC with fail-safe, non-propagating battery technology on one of the city’s biggest stages. And at the 2025 Rochester International Jazz Festival, the RPS150 delivered clean, silent power to the main tent—replacing diesel generators with a zero-emission solution that hit all the right notes.