RFP alert: Appalachian Power seeks 800 MW of battery storage in Virginia

U.S. utility Appalachian Power (APCo) has issued two requests for proposals (RFPs) seeking grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Virginia, United States. 

The first RFP is for up to 500 MW of BESS capacity via one or more purchase and sale agreements (PSAs). The proposal states that it can be for new or existing battery storage and the resources requested will be acquired by the PSAs for “purchase of 100% of the equity interest of the project’s limited liability company.” 

APCo has outlined that projects need to be located in and deliverable to the Commonwealth of Virginia and interconnected to the PJM transmission system. Facilities that can reach commercial operation by March 31, 2030, will be prioritized, although APCo will still consider proposals where this cannot be achieved. 

The second RFP is for up to 300 MW of BESS capacity via one or more capacity purchase agreements (CPAs). They must be located inside the PJM region and bidders need to possess 100% ownership of the asset or documentation with authority to offer the asset for the RFP. 

APCo’s long‑term planning under the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) requires the company to add roughly 780 MW of short‑duration battery storage by 2040, a target reflected in its filings with the State Corporation Commission (SCC). (It must also procure 520 MW of long-duration storage by 2045.)

Proposals for both RFPs must be submitted by September 30, 2026, and can be submitted here.  

Another U.S. RFP is being issued by Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), located in the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) region, seeking offers for at least 20 MW in a variety of contract categories.