NY regulators approve 135-MW energy storage project in Queens

The New York State Public Service Commission authorized Astoria Generating Co. LP to build and operate a $300 million battery-based energy storage facility in Astoria, Queens, N.Y.

The Luyster Creek Energy Storage facility will have a capacity of up to 135 MW, the commission said in a June 16 news release. The facility will be developed and operated on a merchant basis and will participate in the wholesale energy market. Operations are slated for 2024.

In December 2021, Astoria Generating Co. parent Eastern Generation LLC announced plans to retire oil-burning peaker plants and build battery storage projects providing over 350 MW of storage capacity at three existing generating stations in New York City. The Luyster Creek Energy Storage facility is the first of these projects and is planned to be located at the 927.2-MW Astoria Generating Station.

The commission found that the project will not cause significant adverse environmental impacts and that it is in line with New York City's energy goals and policies, according to the release. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul aims to double the state's energy storage target to at least 6 GW by 2030.

"The Luyster Creek project advances New York State's greenhouse gas emissions reduction and renewable energy goals as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act," Commission Chair Rory Christian said.

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