Maryland Opens $200 Million Auction for Clean Energy and Storage Project Grants
Preliminary applications for Maryland’s two-year grant program are due Nov. 30, and only applicants found eligible may submit bids by Jan. 22, 2027.
- By Danielle Naidu
- October 28, 2026
Developers of grid-scale energy storage and renewable energy generation projects can now compete for Maryland grants that help offset development and construction costs. Called Megawatts for Maryland, the program was created under the Utility RELIEF Act, which became law earlier this year. The Maryland Energy Administration developed and runs the program.
Funding for the two-year, $200 million program will come from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, at up to $100 million a year.
Regional energy demand is outpacing available supply, a gap the state said is one factor in higher power bills. Maryland said it wants the program to boost in-state energy generation and help bring down ratepayers’ power costs. Its stated target is hundreds of megawatts of new clean power on the grid.
With the Inflation Reduction Act’s investment tax credits canceled, the program will help fill the resulting investment gaps, the state said.
Applications move through two stages. In Stage 1, due Nov. 30, applicants file a preliminary application showing they are eligible to bid. Only those who qualify may move on to Stage 2, where they submit a bid price and more documentation by Jan. 22, 2027.
