Request for Proposals for Energy Storage Projects Pursuant to 35-A M.R.S. §10313

The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is issuing a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) to procure between 200 megawatts (MW) and 300 MW of new Energy Storage Projects. This solicitation is conducted pursuant to Maine Public Law 2025 Chapter 476 and seeks to advance the state's energy storage objectives outlined in the Maine Energy Plan published in January 2025.

Eligible projects must be Energy Storage Projects that store energy for later discharge to the grid using chemical, mechanical, or thermal means, with a minimum nameplate capacity of 3 MW. All projects must be able to charge and discharge throughout the contract term and must be located within ISO New England (ISO-NE) territory. Projects cannot have commenced construction at the time of proposal submission and must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulatory and land use requirements.

Key evaluation criteria include the project's ability to provide benefits to Maine ratepayers that exceed costs, contribute to the state's greenhouse gas reduction obligations and climate policies, contribute to economic and workforce goals, minimize environmental impacts, ensure protection of low-income ratepayers, and avoid or minimize curtailment of other renewable or clean resources. Proposals will be scored on a 100-point scale comprising up to 70 points for quantitative factors (direct and indirect costs/benefits) and up to 30 points for qualitative factors.

Bidders must demonstrate control or an irrevocable option to acquire control over the project site, provide interconnection and deliverability documentation, submit a comprehensive project development and operations plan, demonstrate financing capability, provide environmental impact assessments, and submit a safety and security plan. Contract terms may be up to 20 years, with bidders required to offer at least one proposal for a 20-year term. Selected projects will enter into an Energy Storage Contract with one or both of Maine's investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities (Central Maine Power Company and Versant Power). Finalized contracts will be subject to approval by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.