Energy storage installations in the United States reached a record first quarter in 2026, with deployments rising 32% year-on-year as demand for cleaner and more reliable electricity continues to grow.
The latest figures from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence show 9.7 gigawatt-hours of new storage capacity were installed during the quarter. The report forecasts total US deployment could reach 613 GWh by 2030, driven by rising electricity demand from data centres and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Battery storage is playing an increasingly important role in reducing emissions by supporting renewable energy generation and improving grid reliability.
Energy storage systems help store excess renewable electricity for use during peak demand, reducing reliance on fossil fuel generation and lowering exposure to volatile fuel prices.
Darren Van’t Hof, interim president and CEO of SEIA, said: “Energy storage’s remarkable first quarter only underscores the fundamental values of this technology: it’s insulated from fuel price shocks, keeps electricity costs down, and strengthens grid reliability.”
The report also highlighted growing geographical diversity in deployment, with states including Georgia, Iowa and Mississippi recording significant gains alongside established markets such as California and Texas.
However, SEIA warned that federal permitting delays and policy uncertainty could slow future growth. The organisation said continued support for renewable energy and storage infrastructure will be critical to meeting rising power demand while supporting emissions reduction and long-term energy security.
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