Massachusetts sets big battery goals — and the policies to back them up
Massachusetts advances aggressive battery storage goals with new policies and projects, aiming for 10 GW by 2035 despite grid and community hurdles.
Massachusetts is accelerating battery storage development with projects like a 700-MW facility near Boston and a 250-MW project backed by $850 million in financing. The state’s 10 GW storage target by 2035 is the highest among U.S. states with procurement goals, supported by policies like the Clean Peak Standard and streamlined permitting. These measures aim to store cheap, clean energy and reduce reliance on expensive, polluting power during peak demand.
The state’s Department of Energy Resources highlights storage’s role in managing grid load and improving resilience amid extreme weather. Massachusetts surpassed its initial 1 GW storage goal years ahead of schedule, with progress driven by policies enacted since 2015. A December 2025 procurement selected four projects totaling 1 GW, while a second solicitation received 35 bids, with results due in February.
New siting and permitting reforms, effective July 1, grant the state Energy Facilities Siting Board authority to approve large projects within 15 months, replacing fragmented municipal processes. The Clean Peak Standard, launched in 2020, provides financial incentives for renewable and storage projects to supply power during peak demand, enhancing project viability.
Despite progress, challenges persist, including high interconnection costs—up to $200 million for some projects—and community opposition over safety concerns. A proposed 180-MW battery in Oakham faces local opposition citing fire risks, while a 125-MW project in Tewksbury was canceled due to $65 million in grid upgrade expenses.