Charging Forward: Energy Storage Toward a Net Zero Commonwealth

The Challenge: 

The Commonwealth’s path to Net Zero by 2050 requires significant electrification of the transportation and building sectors accompanied by large-scale deployment of non-dispatchable renewable generation. Intermittent renewable generation is subject to unpredictable short- to long-term fluctuations that, at significant levels of penetration, can threaten the reliability of the electric grid. This study examines the current deployment and use cases of energy storage in the Commonwealth, as well as how mid- and long-duration energy storage could potentially benefit the grid and ratepayers, including through improving grid reliability. 

About the Study

Section 80 of Chapter 179 of the Acts of 2022 (“An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind”) requires DOER, in consultation with MassCEC, to conduct a study on the existing energy storage market in the Commonwealth and the potential role of mid- and long-duration energy storage technologies. To support DOER and MassCEC in fulfilling this legislative requirement, MassCEC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultants in December 2022. MassCEC selected Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (E3) to assist with the study.

Program Area
Net Zero Grid
Questions? Contact

Engaging Stakeholders

The RFP was informed by stakeholder input via written comments and office hours. Use the drop-down menus below to explore the lists of collaborating stakeholders

Office Hour Participants
  • Nostromo 
  • UMass Lowell Researchers 
  • NECEC 
  • East Point Energy 
  • Malta 
  • MBTA 
  • First Light Power 
  • Agilitas Energy 
  • Warren Conservation Commission 
  • Lockheed Martin 
  • MMWEC 
  • UMass Amherst Researchers 
  • Sustainable Energy Advantage 
  • Giberti Tech Solutions 
  • Acadia Center 
  • Jupiter Power 
  • UMass Amherst Clean Energy Group  
  • National Grid 
  • Clearway Energy 
  • CT River Conservancy 
  • Delorean Power 
  • Mass Rivers Alliance 
  • Key Capture Energy 
  • Avanti Energy 
Written Comments
  • Jupiter Power 
  • Giberti Tech Solutions 
  • Town of Orange 
  • Delorean Power 
  • Share the Burden 
  • Warren Conservation Commission 
  • Mass Rivers Alliance 
  • Berkshire Environmntal Action Team 
  • Malta 
  • UMass Amherst Researchers 
  • FirstLight Power 
  • Ellen Anderson (resident) 
  • Renew Northeast 
  • NECEC 
  • Roy Harvey (resident) 
  • MMWEC 
  • ISO-NE 
  • Eversource 

Stakeholder Sessions

Stakeholder feedback is a critical component of the Study. Stakeholders are encouraged to share their feedback in a variety of ways.  

MassCEC, DOER, and E3 conducted two stakeholder sessions to present interim work products, address technical questions, and collect feedback on the Study.  The first session was held on June 7, 2023, and the second was on August 16, 2023.

Written comments can be emailed to thomas.ferguson@mass.gov

Study Timeline

Process Step

Timing

Study Kickoff

March 29, 2023

Stakeholder Session 1

June 7, 2023 

Stakeholder Interviews

Ongoing until September 1, 2023

Stakeholder Modeling Feedback

June 21, 2023

Stakeholder Session 2

August 16, 2023

Final Stakeholder Feedback

September 1, 2023 

DOER Report to Legislature

December 31, 2023

Public comments on DOER Report

Early 2024