Appalachian Power seeks renewable projects up to 300 MW, with potential for battery storage

A new request for proposals from Appalachian Power opens the door to solar and wind generation projects up to 300 MW, and battery storage accompaniment is welcome.

“This is Appalachian Power’s largest request yet in a single year for renewable energy bids,” Chris Beam, Appalachian Power president and COO, said. “We look forward to reviewing the proposals and issuing more requests for bids later this year as we expand our portfolio and reliance on clean energy.”

The new request starts Appalachian Power on the path to compliance with the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), which became law last year. Under that law, Appalachian Power must reach 100 percent carbon free energy within Virginia by 2050, although it also has a series of annual targets to meet before then.

As a result, Appalachian Power is requiring any applicants to be in operation no later than Dec. 15, 2024, although those capable of operations by mid-December 2023 will receive priority. Facilities must be at least 50 MW, and Appalachian Power may acquire a single large bidder or several smaller bidders that meet certain economic and operational criteria. Preference will be given to those that qualify for federal tax credits.

Beyond that, only potential solar projects must be located in Virginia. Potential wind projects can be located elsewhere, so long as they are interconnected to independent regional transmission organization PJM, although local is preferred. All proposals are due by March 31, 2021.