Maryland regulator conditionally picks two storage projects for capacity credits

BALTIMORE, Oct 1 — The Maryland Public Service Commission said it has conditionally selected two transmission-connected energy storage projects for Energy Storage Capacity Credit awards in the first round of the state's Next Generation Energy Act procurement.

The 400-megawatt Chalk Point Storage Project in Prince George's County and the 40-megawatt Jade Meadow III Battery Storage Project in Garrett County would together provide 440 megawatts of four-hour storage under flat, 15-year award terms, subject to the commission's conditions. The commission said their combined estimated cost is 6.98 cents per month for a typical Maryland residential customer.

"While we are disappointed that these awards are below our 800-megawatt target for Round 1, our Round 2 solicitation is expected to attract many more offers due to a pool of over 40 additional energy storage projects from PJM’s Cycle 1 interconnection process," Commission Chair Kumar Barve said. Both projects must apply to the commission for construction approval, and the commission said it will issue a Round 2 Request for Applications by Jan 1, 2027.