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Energy Storage Program

 

Transforming New York’s Electricity System for a Clean Energy Future

Energy storage has a pivotal role in delivering reliable and affordable power to New Yorkers as we increasingly switch to renewable energy sources and electrify our buildings and transportation systems. Integrating storage in the electric grid, especially in areas with high energy demand, will allow clean energy to be available when and where it is most needed.

New York State has some of the most rigorous safety standards for energy storage projects in the country, reinforced by independent nationally recognized experts to ensure full compliance. As New York continues to invest and build a cleaner grid, energy storage will allow us to use existing resources more efficiently and phase out the dirtiest power plants. This transition will help New York meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, improve public health, and mitigate the future impacts of a changing climate.

Understanding How Energy Storage Works

Energy storage systems capture and hold energy for later use by shifting when and how electricity supply and demand are balanced. They’re charged using electricity from the power grid during periods of low demand or extra capacity. And when the demand increases, such as during a grid disturbance or power outage, the electricity is discharged back into the grid for immediate use.

Types of Storage

 

Learn More About Energy Storage

Energy Storage Safety

Energy storage technologies and systems are regulated at the federal, state, and local levels, and must undergo rigorous safety testing to be authorized for installation in New York. You can download NYSERDA’s New York City [PDF] factsheet to learn more about energy storage regulations in New York City.

On July 28, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the creation of a new Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group to ensure the safety and security of energy storage systems across the state. Updates and resources can be found on the Working Group’s webpage. On December 21, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul released initial findings from the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group, which was convened following fires at battery energy storage systems at facilities in Jefferson, Orange and Suffolk Counties this summer.

An Expanded Goal of 6 Gigawatts by 2030

On June 20, 2024, the New York Public Service Commission approved the Order Establishing Updated Energy Storage Goal and Deployment Policy [PDF]. This Order formally expands the State’s goal to 6,000 Megawatts of energy storage to be installed by 2030, and authorized funds for NYSERDA to support 200 Megawatts of new residential-scale solar, 1,500 Megawatts of new commercial and community-scale energy storage, and 3,000 Megawatts of new large-scale storage.  These projects will reduce projected future statewide electric system costs by nearly $2 billion, in addition to improved public health from reduced exposure to harmful fossil fuel pollutants.

The Order specifies that at least 35% of the benefits of these new energy storage projects will accrue to disadvantaged communities.

The Order builds on the recommendations from the New Yorks 6 GW Energy Storage Roadmap [PDF] that was filed in December 2022 by NYSERDA and the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS). The Roadmap proposed a comprehensive set of recommendations to expand New York’s energy storage programs to cost-effectively unlock the rapid growth of renewable energy across the State and bolster grid reliability and customer resilience. The 2024 Energy Storage Order Overview [PDF] includes high-level details on energy storage project funding and requirements, plus a timeline for next steps.


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