Politics
Maryland opens two-year grant competition for renewable power and battery projects
Gov. Wes Moore’s Megawatts for Maryland program will offer up to $200 million over two years to expand renewable generation and storage. Developers must file preliminary applications by Nov. 30, with qualifying projects eligible to bid for funding by Jan. 22, 2027.
Maryland is offering up to $200 million over two years in grants for renewable energy and battery storage projects, as state officials seek to increase electricity supply and ease pressure on customer bills.
Gov. Wes Moore announced the launch of Megawatts for Maryland on Oct. 26. The program will draw as much as $100 million annually from the state’s Strategic Energy Investment Fund. Developers will compete for grants to help cover the costs of developing and building large-scale projects.
State officials say electricity demand across the region is growing faster than available supply, a mismatch contributing to higher electricity costs. The program aims to add hundreds of megawatts of generation—enough, according to the state, to power more than 150,000 Maryland homes annually. The state has not said that the grants will guarantee lower bills for customers.
The program was created by the Utility RELIEF Act, which Moore signed earlier this year. That law also set aside $100 million in direct utility-customer relief. Moore has pressed regional grid operator PJM to address rising costs and increasing demand, including from data centers.
Developers have until Nov. 30 to submit preliminary applications. Applicants that qualify can move to a second stage and submit bids by Jan. 22, 2027.