A combined 950 MW of bulk energy storage across eight projects has won contracts in the first Bulk Energy Storage solicitation run by NYSERDA, chosen from 46 bids of about 6 GW. The four- to eight-hour lithium-ion projects are paid only after reaching commercial operation and must be in service by the end of 2030.
Snapshot
Authority: NYSERDA, New York State's energy research and development authority
Solicitation: First Bulk Energy Storage solicitation run by NYSERDA
Awarded Capacity: 950 MW across eight bulk energy storage projects
Bids Received: 46 projects totalling approximately 6 GW of capacity
Duration: Four to eight hours across the eight projects
Technology: Lithium-ion batteries meeting the 2026 state safety codes
Locations: Western New York to New York City and Long Island
Payment Terms: Payments begin only after commercial operation starts
In-Service Deadline: End of 2030 under the 2024 Energy Storage Order
Next Round: Second Bulk Energy Storage request for proposals by year-end
NYSERDA, a US-based public benefit corporation that acts as New York State's energy research and development authority, has awarded contracts to eight bulk energy storage projects totalling 950 MW. They are the first awards from its Bulk Energy Storage solicitation, and all eight must be in service by the end of 2030.
Chosen from 46 bid proposals totalling about 6 GW, the projects range in duration from four to eight hours and stretch from Western New York to New York City and Long Island. Lighthouse Energy Storage in Chautauqua County and Zenobe Burns in Allegany County lead the western group, with Eastwater Energy Storage in Monroe County and KCE NY 5 in Ulster County further east. Blue Spruce Storage and Palladium Storage are both in Bronx County, while Holtsville Energy Storage and KCE NY 37 sit in Suffolk County on Long Island.
All eight will use lithium-ion technology and are contractually required to meet the storage safety codes that took effect on 1 January 2026, which reflect the recommendations of the New York State Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group. Payments will not begin until each project reaches commercial operation with every required permit and local approval, and the in-service deadline comes from the Public Service Commission's 2024 Energy Storage Order.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said the contracted projects "more than double the utility-scale energy storage that exists currently statewide." She added, "This will help reduce costs for New York ratepayers while continuing to improve the reliability of our state's grid." State Fire Administrator James Cable said the new storage projects "will meet the highest safety standards," and NY-BEST Executive Director William Acker said, "These projects will strengthen the grid, lower costs, and help meet New York's growing electricity demand."
NYSERDA will issue its second annual Bulk Energy Storage request for proposals by year-end, continuing towards 3 GW of bulk storage over three solicitations. The storage contracts were announced with 13 land-based wind, hydroelectric and solar projects of more than 719 MW from the 2025 Tier 1 Renewable Energy Standard solicitation, and the combined 1.7 GW is expected to draw over $3.7 billion in private investment.
NYSERDA has worked since 1975 to advance New York's energy system and economy, and as a public benefit corporation it provides the technical expertise and information that support innovation and investment across the state.