Energy Storage Procurement Target

Senate Bill 204, passed in May 2017, set the stage for a significant shift in Nevada’s approach to energy storage. This legislation tasked the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) with evaluating whether setting annual procurement targets for energy storage would serve the public interest. The essence of this inquiry was to assess the feasibility and benefits of integrating more energy storage solutions into the state’s energy grid, a critical move towards enhancing energy reliability, stability, and the incorporation of renewable energy sources.

In December 2018, after thorough consideration, the PUCN concluded that implementing an energy storage target was indeed beneficial for the public. This decision led to the establishment of formal targets in March 2020, marking a significant commitment to energy innovation and sustainability within the state.

The targets outlined by the PUCN are ambitious, aiming for a total of 1,000 megawatts (MW) of energy storage to be deployed by the year 2030. To ensure progress towards this goal, interim targets were also set, creating a structured timeline for the state’s energy storage expansion efforts. These interim milestones are as follows:

• 100 MW by the end of 2020,
• 200 MW by the end of 2022,
• 400 MW by the end of 2024,
• 600 MW by the end of 2026, and
• 800 MW by the end of 2028.

These targets represent a roadmap for Nevada’s transition towards a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure, emphasizing the role of energy storage in achieving these objectives. By setting these goals, Nevada aims to enhance its grid’s capacity to integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and moving towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.