US Experienced Major Battery Boom Last Year
In 2025, the United States experienced a significant surge in energy storage, with a record of 57 gigawatt hours (GWh) added to the grid. This increase represents nearly a 30% growth from the previous year, according to a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
Major Battery Boom in 2025
This remarkable growth in battery storage not only highlights a success story for clean energy but also indicates a potential shift in how utilities might manage electric grids as national demand surges. The SEIA’s report aligns with recent data from Bloomberg New Energy Finance, emphasizing an ongoing trend in energy innovation.
Impact on Energy Supply
The 57 GWh of new energy storage is capable of powering over 5 million homes annually. The SEIA anticipates that the market could expand by an additional 21% by the end of 2023, with an expected increase of 70 GWh in 2026 alone. These figures contrast sharply with the less than 0.5 GWh of battery storage available just a decade ago.
Political Landscape and Growth Factors
Despite a challenging political environment, including cuts to tax credits for wind and solar, battery storage has emerged relatively unscathed. Fiscal incentives have boosted their deployment, particularly in states like Texas, where renewables have thrived even amidst federal opposition. Solar power, for instance, accounted for over 15% of Texas’ energy demand during the summer, surpassing coal for the first time.
Texas: A Leading Renewable Energy State
According to projections, Texas is set to surpass California in total gigawatt hours of energy storage this year. Jigar Shah, a former official with the Department of Energy, attributes this growth to Texas’ deregulated power grid, which fosters a market-driven approach.
Stand-alone Battery Installations
The SEIA report also indicates that the majority of installations in 2025 were stand-alone batteries, unrelated to specific solar projects. This trend is encouraging as energy grids across the US grapple with rising demands. On average, these grids utilize only about 50% of available energy, underscoring the need for efficient energy storage solutions.
- 2025 Growth: 57 GWh of new energy storage.
- Projected Increase: 21% by the end of 2023.
- Future Installations: Additional 70 GWh expected in 2026.
- Texas Energy Fabric: Surpassing California in storage capacity.
The momentum in the battery storage sector reflects both advancements in technology and the adaptability of states like Texas to embrace renewable energy, setting a precedent for the future of clean energy across the nation.
