The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on Nov. 12 announced the launch of New York’s second Bulk Energy Storage solicitation, intended to competitively procure approximately one gigawatt of bulk energy storage as part of New York’s 2022 Energy Storage Roadmap.
Administered by NYSERDA through its Bulk Energy Storage Program, the competitive solicitation is open to a range of eligible energy storage technologies and seeks to achieve timely progress towards procuring three gigawatts of bulk energy storage over at least three annual solicitations in support of the state’s broader goal of deploying six gigawatts of energy storage by 2030.
Any NYSERDA-supported energy storage project is contractually required to meet updated storage safety codes, which are among the most stringent in the nation, and reflect the work and recommendations of the New York State Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group convened by New York Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023.
These safety codes ensure that first responders have the necessary training, facilities are sited safely, and that all sites have comprehensive emergency response plans, NYSERDA noted.
Entities interested in responding to this solicitation must first complete “Step One,” which is an initial qualifying step for proposers to demonstrate program eligibility. Step One Eligibility Applications are due to NYSERDA by 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 15, 2026.
If NYSERDA deems proposals eligible, proposers will be invited to submit a “Step Two” bid proposal for project evaluation.
NYSERDA’s Bulk Energy Storage Program employs an Index Storage Credit (ISC) incentive, as established in the New York State Public Service Commission 2024 Energy Storage Order, modeled in part after the Renewable Energy Certificate and Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credit utilized in other NYSERDA programs.
"NYSERDA supports robust safety measures for all projects and, as a result, will not pay for ISCs until the awarded and contracted projects are permitted, installed and operating and have passed their peer review process and quality assurance inspection – both key milestones to ensure that all projects are designed and constructed with New York’s best-in-class safety standards," it said.
Project proposals must include plans to comply with the state’s comprehensive safety and security requirements, and to comply with the Bulk Energy Storage Program Manual requirements.
Also, associated with this solicitation, NY Green Bank (NYGB), a division of NYSERDA and a specialized investment fund dedicated to bridging financial gaps in clean energy and renewable infrastructure markets in New York State, is prepared to support project developers and investors with a range of financing options in order to advance energy storage. Entities interested in applying for this financing can submit an application to NYGB RFP No. 1.
NYSERDA’s siting team also works closely with local governments to provide tailored education, technical assistance, and model local laws.
New York’s 6 GW Energy Storage Roadmap, created to support the state’s target of 6 gigawatts deployed by 2030, recommended deployment of an incremental 4,700 megawatts consisting of 3,000 megawatts bulk, 200 megawatts of new residential-scale energy storage and 1,500 megawatts of new commercial and community-scale energy.
Additionally, at least 35 percent of off-site retail and bulk energy storage projects supported by NYSERDA are planned to be sited in downstate New York, where they are most likely to benefit disadvantaged communities and reduce peaker plant emissions.
The Nov. 12 announcement builds on awards recently announced by NYSERDA through its first Bulk Energy Storage solicitation.
The eight contracted bulk energy storage projects, which range geographically from New York City and Long Island to Hudson Valley and Western New York, will add 950 megawatts of new energy storage capacity once operational.
