3 states where energy storage is gaining momentum in 2015
June 5, 2015
Multiple studies have indicated that energy storage technologies are primed for expansive deployment in the coming year. In fact, an Energy Storage Association study cited by Bloomberg projected that hundreds of megawatts of storage capacity are expected be installed by the end of the year, with almost 6 megawatts of power-storage capacity added in the first quarter of 2015 alone. This bump in the beginning of this year was also a 16 percent increase from the same period in 2014.
The news source also emphasized that these deployments of energy storage would be split between utilities looking to supplement their renewable energy strategy and commercial businesses and campuses interested in a behind-the-meter solutions that allow for smarter energy consumption. With an even greater surge in energy storage adoption expected later in the year, it makes sense to keep a close eye on states with markets that are friendly toward this innovative, cost-saving technology.
1. New Jersey is ramping up energy storage investments
The state of New Jersey has an ambitious renewable energy target of its own. According to NJ Spotlight, the state's administration is working toward 22.5 percent of its electricity being produced by renewable sources by 2020. One way that New Jersey's government aims to reach that goal is by ramping up statewide deployment of energy storage. The news source pointed out that its latest draft of its Clean Energy Program budget doubled the allotted amount of funds designated for energy storage initiatives from $3 million to $6 million.
Another bill is currently pending that would increase New Jersey's renewable goal to 80 percent by 2050. The passage of this piece of legislation will surely encourage even more opportunities for deploying energy storage technology across the state.
New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities has already approved 13 behind-the-meter energy storage projects this year, reflecting the demand for energy storage technologies. According to Greentech Media, most of these projects were approved for schools looking for more resiliency in response to Hurricane Sandy. Perth Amboy High School sought thermal energy storage as a cost-effective retrofit to lower operating costs.
2. Arizona looks forward to another solar boom
The Grand Canyon State has long been a hot spot for solar growth and this expansion is set to carry energy storage in Arizona along with it. Utilities across the state are scheming for ways to integrate renewable energy as a means of meeting demand for power, and energy storage's potential for this goal has attracted the attention of state administrators, said Arizona Public Media.
Joseph Barrios, a representative from state utility Tucson Electric Power, noted that power companies are researching all types of energy storage technologies for ways to improve their existing power infrastructure. It's likely that Arizona will only grow warmer to energy storage solutions as successful solar deployments become even more vital to the state's future.
3. Massachusetts puts $10 million up for grabs
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has made it clear that he envisions the state on the forefront in national energy storage adoption. According to Energy Efficiency Markets, numerous state administrators have expressed that the administration's vision includes competing with neighbors like New York for the title of the region's energy storage leader.
To that end, Governor Patrick recently announced a $10 funding million program, the Energy Storage Initiative, with the goal of keeping The Bay State's capacity as robust as any other's. The Connecticut Post explained that the state will be considering a wide range of solutions for its initiative, including thermal energy storage.
