EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Two transmission-connected projects totaling 440 MW with four-hour durations have been conditionally selected for Maryland’s first Energy Storage Capacity Credit awards. Chalk Point accounts for 400 MW and Jade Meadow III for 40 MW, with both receiving flat, 15-year award terms subject to Commission conditions.
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The Maryland Public Service Commission, an independent state regulatory agency, has conditionally selected two transmission-connected energy storage projects totalling 440 MW for Energy Storage Capacity Credit awards under the first round of the state’s Next Generation Energy Act procurement. The credits are intended to provide projects with a more stable revenue stream by hedging against uncertainty in future PJM Interconnection capacity market prices.
The Chalk Point Storage Project, proposed for Aquasco in Prince George’s County, accounts for 400 MW of the selected capacity. It would be located at the existing Chalk Point power plant site. The Jade Meadow III Battery Storage Project would provide another 40 MW in Barton, Garrett County. Jade Meadow III is planned as a combined solar-and-storage facility on a reclaimed coal mine in Western Maryland.
Together, the projects would provide 440 MW of potential energy storage capacity with four-hour durations under flat, 15-year award terms, subject to Commission approval conditions and obligations. Their combined estimated cost is 6.98 cents per month for a typical Maryland residential customer.
Maryland’s Next Generation Energy Act requires at least two solicitations covering a cumulative 1,600 MW of front-of-the-meter, transmission-connected energy storage with minimum four-hour duration. Round 1 targeted 800 MW and attracted five applications. The 300 MW Fourth Quarter Battery Energy Storage System and 135 MW Pulaski Energy Storage Project subsequently withdrew.
Following public and evidentiary hearings, the Commission determined that Chalk Point and Jade Meadow III were the most cost-effective and highest-ranked remaining proposals. The 500 MW Oystercatcher Energy Storage Project was not selected because of its lower ranking and considerations related to cost-effectiveness and ratepayer impacts.
The Commission also rejected a proposed increase in Chalk Point’s Round 1 capacity from 400 MW to 535 MW, as the revision came after the application window closed. The expanded proposal may be submitted in Round 2.
Both selected projects must still seek Commission construction approval, involving further public and evidentiary hearings covering safety, siting and environmental impacts. The Round 2 Request for Applications is expected by January 1, 2027.