New York State has officially launched its first Bulk Energy Storage Request for Proposals (RFP), aiming to procure one gigawatt (GW) of energy storage capacity, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on July 28. The solicitation, led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), marks the first of three procurement rounds under the state’s broader goal to deploy six GW of storage through its Energy Storage Roadmap. According to state officials, this strategic move is designed to enhance grid reliability, reduce electricity costs, and support New York’s clean energy transition. The projects awarded through this RFP will help double the amount of energy storage currently deployed, contracted, or awarded across the state. NYSERDA’s solicitation is notable for integrating newly adopted fire safety codes—even before they take effect in 2026—into its program requirements to ensure safe deployment and emergency preparedness.

Applicants must first pass an initial qualification phase, with Step One applications due by September 4, 2025. Qualified proposers will then be invited to submit full project bids. Projects selected for contracts must demonstrate operational readiness and meet rigorous safety benchmarks before receiving compensation through the new Index Storage Credit (ISC) mechanism. Modeled after existing clean energy credit systems, the ISC is a market-based incentive tied to actual performance and availability of storage systems.

In tandem with the RFP, NY Green Bank is offering financing options to support project development. NYSERDA also continues to work with local governments to ensure communities are equipped for responsible siting. According to the source material, this solicitation is a pivotal step toward meeting the state's climate goals, with at least 35% of project benefits directed to disadvantaged communities. Further solicitations are expected as New York advances its climate and energy agenda.