Mass. sets 200MWh energy storage target
Expected since the beginning of this year, Massachusetts has confirmed that it will implement an “aspirational” 200MWh energy storage procurement target for electric distribution companies.
The state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER) had determined in late December 2016 that it would be a prudent move to set energy storage targets. However, the level of those targets remained undetermined until a communication from the Massachusetts DOER last week, signed by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Lt Governor Karyn Polito, secretary Matthew Beaton and commissioner Judith Judson.
DOER said that after consideration of stakeholder comments, it was “adopting an aspirational 200MWh energy storage target for electric distribution companies to procure viable and cost-effective energy storage systems”. The distribution companies have until 1 January 2020 to do so.
The department said that along with stakeholders’ comments, it had closely considered the findings of “State of Charge”, a study commissioned through the US$10 million Massachusetts Energy Storage Initiative. That document had recommended the development of 600MW of energy storage by 2025. DOER did say that following the January 2020 cut-off for the initial 200MWh procurement, it may determine to set additional targets.