New Jersey Approves 3 GW Community Solar Expansion and Energy Storage Incentive Programs

Wedoany.com Report on Mar 6th, The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities recently approved three initiatives aimed at expanding clean energy generation, enhancing grid stability, and helping to control electricity costs for households and businesses. These measures include opening incentives for solar and battery storage projects, launching a second round of energy storage solicitations, and advancing the Competitive Solar Incentive program, while also approving the expansion of the nation's largest state-run community solar program.

NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy stated: "Solar and battery storage are the fastest and most cost-effective ways to build new generation capacity. Today's actions advance Governor Sherrill's clean energy goals while continuing the Board's commitment to balancing affordability and promoting clean, in-state energy resources." The Board approved incentives for three battery storage projects under the first solicitation of the Garden State Energy Storage Program, with a total capacity of 355 megawatts, slightly exceeding the 350 MW minimum required by state law. The winning projects include Woodslending Storage, Two Rivers Energy Storage, and North American Energy Storage Company. These projects will provide flexible power to the PJM regional grid, alleviate capacity shortfalls, and are expected to save over $169 million during their operational period.

The Board initiated the first phase of the second batch of GSESP projects, opening a second round of competitive solicitations for an additional 645 MW of storage capacity. Governor Miki Sherrill issued an executive order on January 20th, directing this batch to be opened within 45 days of signing. Upon completion of these projects, the state will be on track to achieve 1 GW of transmission-scale storage, with a target of reaching 2 GW by 2030. Both solar-plus-storage projects and standalone storage projects are eligible for this second batch. The third round of solicitations under the Competitive Solar Incentive program has selected three projects with a total capacity of 24.12 MW. The winning projects include Deptford Court Solar, Deptford Landfill Solar, and the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission. Upon completion, the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission's project at the Wanaque Reservoir will become the nation's largest floating solar facility.

The NJBPU will open the fourth round of CSI project solicitations on March 11th, with a bid deadline of April 24th. This round newly seeks solar projects with a rated capacity of 20 MW or higher. The Board approved a 3 GW expansion of New Jersey's Community Solar Program, the largest capacity allocation in the state's history, sufficient to provide clean energy savings for approximately 450,000 subscribers. Project registration will be accepted until December 31, 2029, or until all 3,000 MW are subscribed. To date, the Community Solar Program has delivered over $70 million in bill credits and $14 million in net savings to more than 37,000 subscribers through 162 operational projects. This expansion will build on this foundation to broaden access to clean energy and focus on constructing projects at sites such as landfills. On her first day in office, Governor Sherrill signed an executive order freezing energy cost rate increases and directing the provision of residential electricity bill credits, while also tasking the NJBPU with expanding solar and battery storage programs.