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Illinois’ first incentive procurement for grid batteries resulted in contracts for 600 megawatts of planned storage, below the initial target and far short in ComEd territory. The awards could substantially expand a state fleet now at 102 MW, but developers cite PJM connection delays as a barrier to meeting Illinois’ 2030 goal of 3 gigawatts.
Illinois’ first incentive procurement for large-scale batteries secured commitments for 600 megawatts of planned storage, falling short of the initial target and producing only one selected project in northern Illinois. The results are an early test of a state program intended to help reach 3 gigawatts of batteries by the end of 2030, as electricity demand rises and Illinois works toward its clean-energy goals.
The Illinois Power Agency, which procures electricity for the state’s large utilities, ran an auction-style procurement in August to offer incentives to companies proposing battery projects. Statewide, the selected deals total 600 MW—less than two-thirds of the storage sought in this initial round. The awards represent planned projects, not batteries already operating on the grid.
The results varied sharply by utility territory. In northern Illinois, the agency sought 588 MW in ComEd’s territory, but selected one company’s proposal for an 80-MW battery. In Ameren Illinois’ territory, which covers much of the state, it selected three developers’ bids totaling 520 MW. The original report does not identify the selected developers or provide project completion dates.
The new commitments would be a substantial increase over Illinois’ existing storage fleet, reported at 102 MW by energy-data firm Cleanview. James Gignac, Midwest policy director for the Union of Concerned Scientists’ climate and energy program, called the outcome “a strong start” and said it shows interest in developing storage in Illinois. He also said advocates were disappointed by the northern Illinois result.
A First Step Toward 3 GW
Battery storage can hold electricity for later use, including power generated when wind and solar resources are abundant. That capacity can help the grid manage changing supply and demand. The need is drawing attention in Illinois as data-center development adds to energy demand, according to the report, and as the state pursues its mandate for 100% clean energy by 2050.
The procurement’s 600 MW is a commitment to planned capacity, not proof that the projects will be built or connected on schedule. Even if all proceed, the awards leave substantial work before Illinois reaches its 3-GW 2030 target. The especially small result in ComEd territory also suggests that statewide incentives alone may not produce similar project uptake in every part of the state.
Developers’ ability to connect projects is one practical concern. Brett Sproul, who leads Illinois regulatory work for industry group Advanced Energy United, said several developers could build batteries by 2030 but that uncertainty over PJM’s interconnection queue affected decisions. That uncertainty matters because a proposed battery cannot contribute to the grid unless it can connect and begin operating.
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How Illinois Reached This Round
Illinois has added substantial renewable generation over the past decade but has lagged in battery storage, according to the report. Last fall, the state passed a law requiring 3 GW of grid batteries by the end of 2030. The August procurement was an early step in using incentives to attract developers toward that goal.
Illinois is part of a wider U.S. push to add storage. The report says nationwide grid storage capacity grew from 4.7 GW in 2022 to more than 50 GW, citing federal data. Regional progress varies: Cleanview figures cited in the report put Indiana at 587 MW, compared with Illinois’ 102 MW. The comparison reflects installed capacity, not the total amount planned in Illinois’ new awards.
New York offers another point of comparison. It has a 3-GW utility-scale storage goal for 2030 and secured promises for 950 MW in September through the same incentive mechanism, according to the report. The selected Illinois proposals include two companies based in New York. Separately, lengthy interconnection delays in PJM, the regional grid operator covering parts of 13 states, have been a hurdle for battery projects.
““However because of the interconnection queue at PJM there’s a lot of uncertainty” about whether projects could start storing power by the deadline.”
— Brett Sproul, Illinois regulatory lead for Advanced Energy United
large scale energy storage batteries
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Projects Face Connection Risks
The awards do not establish that the selected batteries have secured every approval, financing, or grid connection needed to operate. The report does not provide individual project schedules, costs, or expected completion dates. It is also unclear how much of the 600 MW will ultimately be built and when it could begin supplying storage services.
The next procurement’s design is still under consideration. The Illinois Power Agency is collecting developer feedback through Oct. 28, with the stated aim of improving the process. The available information does not say what specific changes the agency will make or whether a revised approach would draw more bids in ComEd territory.
Interconnection timing remains a central uncertainty. Sproul said PJM’s queue makes it uncertain whether potential projects can start storing power by 2030. The report does not give a timeline for resolving the queue or identify which selected projects face particular connection delays.
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Feedback Before the Next Auction
The next stated step is the Illinois Power Agency’s review of feedback from developers, which is due by Oct. 28. The agency aims to use that input to improve the next procurement. No date for that round or detailed changes to its rules are provided in the report.
As the process continues, key measures to watch include whether a later round attracts more proposals in ComEd territory, whether selected projects secure grid connections, and whether construction and operation proceed in time to support the 2030 storage requirement. Until projects are connected and operating, the 600 MW remains planned capacity rather than usable storage on Illinois’ grid.
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Key Questions
How much battery storage did Illinois secure in the first incentive round?
The August procurement selected proposals totaling 600 MW of planned storage. The awards do not mean that this capacity is already operating.
Did the procurement meet Illinois’ initial target?
No. The 600 MW statewide result was less than two-thirds of the target for the initial procurement, according to the report.
What happened in ComEd territory?
The state sought 588 MW in ComEd’s northern Illinois territory, but selected one company’s proposal for an 80-MW project.
What is Illinois’ overall battery-storage goal?
A law passed last fall requires 3 GW of batteries on the state grid by the end of 2030. Illinois had 102 MW of installed storage, according to Cleanview figures cited in the report.
What could prevent the selected projects from operating on time?
Developers face uncertainty over connections to the regional grid. Brett Sproul of Advanced Energy United cited delays in PJM’s interconnection queue as a barrier to projects beginning operation by 2030.
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