Appalachian Power Issues RFP Seeking 800 MW of Battery Energy Storage

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Appalachian Power (APCo) has issued two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to deploy grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Virginia, collectively seeking up to 800 megawatts (MW) of battery storage capacity.

The first RFP seeks to procure up to 500 MW of BESS capacity through one or more Power Sales Agreements (PSAs). APCo states in the document that the resources may be realized through new or existing battery storage facilities, with acquisition structured as the purchase of 100% equity in the project limited liability company. Projects must be located within the state of Virginia, capable of supplying power to the state, and interconnected to the PJM transmission system. Facilities able to achieve commercial operation by March 31, 2030, will receive priority consideration, though proposals that cannot meet this timeline will also be evaluated.

The second RFP seeks to procure up to 300 MW of BESS capacity through one or more Capacity Purchase Agreements (CPAs). Projects must be located within the PJM footprint, and bidders must hold 100% ownership of the assets or possess documentation authorizing their participation in this solicitation.

APCo's energy storage procurement plan is based on the long-term planning requirements of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA). According to filings submitted by the company to the State Corporation Commission (SCC), APCo is required to add approximately 780 MW of short-duration battery storage capacity by 2040 and procure 520 MW of long-duration storage capacity by 2045.

The bid deadline for both RFPs is September 30, 2026. Additionally, Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), located within the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) footprint, has issued a separate RFP seeking bids of at least 20 MW across multiple contract categories.