California's Battery Storage Capacity Surges Amid Record Heat, Hits New Record

Deploying battery storage is crucial for achieving California’s climate and clean energy goalsPhoto byKumpan ElectriconUnsplash

SACRAMENTO — California’s commitment to clean energy is gaining momentum, as the state’s battery storage capacity has surged by more than 3,000 megawatts (MW) in just six months, reaching a total of 13,391 MW. This remarkable 30% increase since April 2024 comes during a summer that has been marked as the hottest on record for the state.

The rapid expansion highlights California's swift progress in developing its clean energy infrastructure. In the past five years, the state has increased its battery storage capacity more than fifteenfold, up from just 770 MW in 2019. Notably, it took nearly five years to reach 10,000 MW in early 2024, but only six months to add the latest 3,012 MW.

“We’re cutting pollution by adding more clean power to our grid,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “That means rapidly expanding battery storage to capture more of this clean energy that’s produced during the day, like solar, for when it’s needed when the sun goes down. These are the essential resources that we’ll continue needing more of as the climate crisis makes heat waves hotter and longer.”

Deploying battery storage is crucial for achieving California’s climate and clean energy goals, with projections indicating that the state will require 52,000 MW of energy storage capacity by 2045. With the current total at approximately 25% of that target, the recent surge is a significant step forward.

The increased storage capacity enables California’s grid to capture energy from clean sources, such as solar, during the day and deploy it during peak demand periods in the evening. This advancement is a key aspect of Governor Newsom’s energy roadmap, aiming for a 100% clean electric grid.