Utility-scale battery storage in the US reached nearly 52GW in June 2026, marking a significant expansion as developers continue to build capacity alongside the growth of renewable energy.
Data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows battery storage has been expanding at around 70% annually over the past three years. The country had 43.6GW of utility-scale storage operating at the end of 2025, with developers adding a further 8.3GW during the first half of 2026.
The growth is expected to continue. Developers have told the EIA they plan to add another 54GW of battery storage by 2028. If those projects are delivered as planned, US operational capacity could exceed 105GW by the end of the decade.
Battery storage is becoming increasingly important as solar and wind generation expand. It allows electricity to be stored when renewable output is high and release it when demand increases, helping reduce pressure on the grid.
Solar projects are driving much of the growth, with many large-scale installations being paired with batteries. This allows electricity generated during daylight hours to be used later in the evening, when demand can be higher.
Storage can also help limit renewable energy curtailment, improve grid flexibility and reduce reliance on fossil fuel generation during periods of peak demand.
The rapid buildout reflects the growing role of batteries in supporting a more flexible electricity system and integrating larger amounts of renewable power.
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