Massachusetts released a much-awaited energy storage solicitation on Thursday offering up to $10 million for new projects.
Issued by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), the solicitation makes available $100,000 to $1.25 million in matching funds for each chosen project.
The solicitation springs from a state report issued last year that found Massachusetts could save electricity ratepayers $800 million by incorporating 600 MW of energy storage projects. The state plans to set a specific energy storage goal, now the subject of a separate proceeding before the DOER.
The state is offering money for projects that showcase examples of future storage deployment, help to grow the state’s energy storage economy, and contribute to the state’s clean energy innovation leadership.
MassCEC anticipates making about 10-15 awards. Applicants must supply at least 50 percent of total project cost.
The state plans to allot about half of the money from the energy storage solicitation to projects that include utility partners. Both distribution scale and behind-the-meter projects will be considered, but must be grid connected.
The solicitation seeks innovative business models that showcase the commercial value of energy storage in light of the specific local energy challenges and opportunities in Massachusetts.
Projects also should demonstrate multiple benefits/value streams to ratepayers, the local utility, or wholesale market.
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And finally, projects should help uncover market, regulatory, monetization and financing barriers.
The state anticipates teams forming to apply for the grants. Teams may include public and private entities and are are encouraged to include the local utility.
Proposals are due June 9. The state expects to notify winners September 8, with contracts issued within the following month. Projects must be installed within 18 months of receiving contracts.
The full energy storage solicitation is available on the MassCEC website.
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