Grid-Scale Battery Storage Expansion in the U.S.

under construction

The U.S. market for grid-scale battery storage has surged, with 9.7 gigawatt-hours of new capacity installed in the first quarter of 2026. This expansion is driven by data centers and increasing electricity demand, with utility-scale projects dominating the market and behind-the-meter applications projected to grow. New technologies like iron-air and solid oxide fuel cell batteries are being deployed to provide longer backup durations. The industry faces challenges including regulatory uncertainties and permitting delays but is expanding domestic manufacturing capacity, with companies like Ford, Tesla, and General Motors involved.