Energy Storage Mandates Continue to Develop

On May 23, New Jersey became the fifth state in the nation to set an energy storage mandate. Governor Murphy signed the Renewable Energy bill calling for the procurement of 600 MW of energy storage by 2021, with an increase to 2,000 MW of installed capacity by 2030. In addition to addressing energy storage, the bill reforms solar, offshore wind, and energy efficiency requirements. New Jersey is also proposing a bill calling for a study on the benefits of energy storage in the state.

Each of these measures works to reach New Jersey’s new target of achieving 100% clean energy by the year 2050. Governor Murphy signed an executive order establishing this new goal along with the signing of the Renewable Energy bill.

New Jersey, however, is not the only state with recent legislation regarding energy storage. Other states with energy storage targets include California, Massachusetts, Oregon, and New York, with discussion of a mandate emerging in Arizona.

On July 31, the Massachusetts legislature passed a bill that will increase their target from 200 MWh of energy storage deployed in the state by 2020 to 1,000 MWh by 2025. In addition, the bill establishes the first Clean Peak Standard in the nation, which requires that utilities increase the percent of electricity during periods of highest demand that is met with renewable energy resources each year.

See more details on NJ bill here.