Energy storage capacity in the United States has grown dramatically, rising from 6,000 megawatt-hours in 2020 to over 175,000 MWh currently, providing sufficient power to serve millions of homes. This expansion reflects growing recognition among policymakers that storage infrastructure is essential for maintaining grid reliability as demand increases from data centers, advanced manufacturing, and climate-driven factors like extreme summer heat.
California emerged as the first state to establish energy storage procurement targets in 2010, initially aiming for 1,825 megawatts by 2024. The state has substantially exceeded this benchmark, accumulating over 21,000 MW of storage capacity. On August 1, 2026, California’s grid operator achieved a historic milestone by discharging over 13,000 MW of battery power simultaneously, representing approximately one-third of the state’s power demand at that moment.
Nevada, Illinois, Virginia, and Massachusetts have similarly prioritized storage development through bipartisan legislation and strategic planning. Nevada’s storage standard, enacted in 2017, has enabled the state to reach 1,700 MW of capacity, surpassing its 2030 goal. Illinois enacted the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, targeting 3,000 MW of storage by 2030 with projected savings of $13.4 billion in electricity costs over two decades. Virginia expanded its storage targets in 2026 following gubernatorial and legislative action, while Massachusetts has doubled its original storage capacity targets under successive governors.
Additional progress is occurring in other states, with Georgia’s Public Service Commission approving over 1,500 MW of new storage and Texas becoming the nation’s second-largest storage market. These developments demonstrate a broad consensus among state leaders, utilities, and regulators that energy storage provides a flexible, cost-effective resource for maintaining grid stability and affordability while meeting rising power demands.
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