# Illinois Procures Utility-Scale Battery Storage

Illinois has advanced its clean energy procurement strategy by conducting its first auction for utility-scale battery storage projects, securing 600 megawatts of capacity in August 2026. This procurement supports the state's 2030 goals to integrate solar and wind power more effectively, despite falling short of the initial target. Regulatory flexibility and future procurements are expected to accelerate deployment, including paired solar-storage projects and residential virtual power plants, enhancing grid reliability and affordability.

- The Illinois Power Agency and Illinois Commerce Commission are key state entities driving this procurement effort.
- Regional grid operators Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and PJM Interconnection influence project development timelines and commercial operation dates.
- Procurement professionals should note the evolving regulatory environment and opportunities for solar and battery storage providers, including companies like SOLRITE Energy.
- This procurement signals growing demand for energy storage solutions in Illinois, presenting strategic opportunities for contractors specializing in utility-scale battery and solar integration projects.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- Illinois Power Agency (IPA)
- Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC)
- Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)
- PJM Interconnection (PJM)
- Illinois State Government

### Vendors
- SOLRITE Energy (solar and battery company)

### Key Quotes
> My sense is that we just had a mismatch between the commercial operation date this procurement was seeking, and the status of project development in the PJM queue.
> — James Gignac, Midwest policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists

> Despite not hitting the initial procurement target, the 600 megawatts of storage, regardless, in and of itself, is a huge step forward for Illinois, and definitely a really great success for affordability and reliability in the state.
> — Brett Sproul, Illinois policy advocacy lead at Advanced Energy United

### Sources
- [‘Huge step forward’: Illinois inches closer on battery storage, solar goals - Capitol City Now](https://capitolcitynow.com/news/248842-huge-step-forward-illinois-inches-closer-on-battery-storage-solar-goals) - Capitol City Now