1. California’s battery energy storage system (BESS) resources exceeded contributions from renewables, natural gas, large-scale hydroelectric, and energy imports on April 25, 2024.
2. Grid-connected storage in California has grown 1,250% since 2019, reaching a capacity of 6,177MW. The state aims to achieve 52GW of energy storage to support its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045.
3. California leads the US in energy storage installations with a focus on 4-hour duration BESS resources to mitigate evening peak demand. Wood Mackenzie and BloombergNEF anticipate continued growth in utility-scale storage in the state, with a cumulative capacity reaching 39.8GW by 2030.
California’s battery energy storage system (BESS) resources have exceeded contributions from other major energy sources, with over 6,000MW being fed into the grid. Governor Newsom noted the significant growth of grid-connected storage since 2019, now a fifth of the way to deploying the 52GW needed for 100% renewable energy by 2045. California leads in energy storage installs in the US, thanks to legislation in 2013 mandating energy storage procurements.
The state’s reliance on renewable energy, such as solar PV, has led to continued development of energy storage resources, with a focus on ensuring resource adequacy through multi-year contracts. California’s peak demand period in the evening is being addressed by 4-hour duration BESS resources that help mitigate costly and polluting energy consumption.
Market research groups predict significant growth in California’s storage capacity by 2030, with the state leading in energy storage installs by both power output and capacity. With projections for more utility-scale storage installations and continued support for clean energy technologies, California is poised to meet its clean energy and net zero goals in the coming years. Governor Newsom acknowledges California’s leadership in the energy storage revolution and continues to prioritize the development and implementation of storage technologies.