August 13, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul and Nyserda open competitive request for 1 GW of bulk energy storage projects, aimed at increasing the reliability of the grid, reducing costs and integrate new safety codes before 2026
State stimulations will be the best path for the solar and storage industry during the Trump years. New York has officially opened its first bulk energy storage request for proposals (RFP), a competitive request to buy 1 Gigawatt (GW) of large-scale energy storage as part of the 6 GW storage track card of the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul said that the program will “help to stimulate economic development and reduce the costs for New Yorkers”, while it is also the electric grid of the state against demand peaks and extreme weather. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (Nyserda) will manage the application in the context of its bulk energy storage program, aimed at technologies that improve peak reduction, grid reliability and affordability.
This RFP is the first of three planned Bulkstasage applications, which together want to contract 3 GW – more than doubling the currently deployed, contracted and granted storage capacity of New York.
“The Bulk energy storage program from Nyserda offers the possibility of the current amount of energy storage that has been used, contracted and granted in the entire state more than double,” said President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Doreen M. Harris. “This invitation will further promote New York on the reliability of the grid, peak reduction and affordability, while it meets the demand for more storage to be safely installed in our state.”
The initiative debuts prior to the commencement date of 1 January 2026 for newly assumed safety codes for energy storage, which integrates recommendations from the working group for fire safety of the state between the State of Inter-agency. Nyserda has already built these standards into the residential, retail and bulk programs, which require first response education and extensive emergency plans for all projects.
Purchasing will take place in two steps:
- Step One Subsidiability requests are due to 4 September 2025.
- Eligible proposals are then invited to submit step two bid proposals.
Index storage credit
Projects are supported via the Index Storage Credit (ISC)A market -based stimulans modeled on certificates for renewable energy and offshore wind renewable energy credits, founded in the order of the New York Public Service Commission (PSC). ISCS rewards the operational availability of more than 15-25 years of contracts, with payment for contingent at meeting permit, installation and peer review milestones.
To help help projects move forward, the NY Green Bank offers financing options to developers and investors. The Siting team of Nyserda will also offer communities technical assistance and model local laws to guarantee responsible development.
