New York Launches Bulk Energy Storage Solicitation to Advance 6 GW Storage Target and Bolster Grid Resilience

New York Governor Kathy Hochul on July 28 announced the launch of the state’s first Bulk Energy Storage Request for Proposals, aiming to procure one gigawatt of storage capacity as part of the state’s broader goal to deploy six gigawatts of energy storage by 2030. Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the solicitation seeks to accelerate large-scale storage deployment and improve grid reliability, energy cost optimization, and transmission efficiency.

The RFP marks the first of three competitive solicitations under NYSERDA’s Bulk Energy Storage Program, collectively intended to procure three gigawatts of storage. Selected projects will benefit from long-term contracts utilizing a market-based Index Storage Credit incentive. Modeled after clean energy credit mechanisms in other NYSERDA programs, the incentive provides revenue certainty by compensating projects based on their operational availability in wholesale energy and capacity markets. Contracts will run for 15 to 25 years, with monthly payments tied to performance metrics.

Developers must complete an initial eligibility application by September 4, 2025. Those approved will be invited to submit full proposals in the second stage of evaluation. Projects must adhere to strict safety and siting requirements, including new energy storage codes adopted into the state’s Uniform Code. While the updated code will take effect in 2026, the authority has already integrated these standards across its storage programs. Developers must provide emergency response plans and pass a peer review and inspection process before receiving payments.

To support financing, NY Green Bank, a division of NYSERDA, is offering capital to qualified developers through its open solicitation. This investment arm is focused on bridging funding gaps in New York’s clean energy markets and accelerating private-sector participation in energy storage deployment.

As part of the broader roadmap, NYSERDA will also back 200 megawatts of residential-scale and 1,500 megawatts of commercial and community storage, with at least 35 percent of program benefits directed to disadvantaged communities.