The California Energy Commission (CEC) Oct. 30 will release two energy storage solicitations totaling $31 million to support the state’s goal under SB 100 of attaining 100% fossil-free electricity by 2045.
The commission wants to get the word out now because preparing energy storage projects and proposals can be time consuming, said Mike Gravely, CEC research program manager.
“We are doing this to bring new technologies that are cheaper and better performing to meet SB 100,” he said, adding that existing technology isn’t capable of meeting the requirements of the legislation.
Among the new technologies the commission focuses on are microgrids — and energy storage plays an important role in them, he said.
“Microgrids help integrate these clean technologies. These are the solutions we need to reverse the impacts of climate change.” Gravely noted that the focus on energy storage will help move microgrids along. All the microgrids that have received commission funding include energy storage.
Details on energy storage solicitations
Proposals for the energy storage projects will be due by the end of the year, and the commission will issue the awards between April and June, he said.
The first of the two energy storage solicitations is for $20 million and seeks technology demonstration projects in four categories.
“This is for projects that are maybe on the second generation of design,” said Gravely.
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