MAINE MONITOR • May 21, 2023
Is storing energy — in batteries, or reservoirs, or fuel cells — considered generation or distribution? That was one of the major questions underlying lawmakers’ discussion during a hearing this week on LD 1850, a bill aimed at increasing the amount of energy storage in Maine. Storing energy will be key to having consistent, reliable electricity production if the grid is relying heavily on wind and solar, which generate power intermittently. So far, companies — including giants like NextEra Energy, which has a 16.2 megawatt battery storage facility in Yarmouth next to Wyman Station — have installed just 21% of the 300 megawatts of energy storage targeted in state statute; the goal is to have that in place by 2025.