Energy Storage News
Tracking grid-scale batteries, long-duration storage, and storage deployment trends
Energy storage is the fastest-growing segment of the power sector. Grid-scale batteries are solving solar's duck curve, providing ancillary services, and deferring transmission upgrades. The IRA made standalone storage eligible for the ITC for the first time. Long-duration storage is the next frontier.
Key Themes
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Solar + Storage
Most new solar projects now pair with 4-hour battery storage. Improves economics and grid value. Becoming standard in procurement.
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CAISO Leadership
California has more grid-scale storage than rest of US combined. Batteries prevented blackouts during 2024 heat waves. Model for other regions.
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ERCOT Growth
Texas storage buildout accelerating. Batteries capturing price spikes. Helping manage wind and solar variability.
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Long-Duration Storage
DOE pushing 100+ hour storage technologies: iron-air, flow batteries, compressed air, gravity. Needed for seasonal shifting. In March 2026, Form Energy announced a 12 GWh iron-air battery deal with Crusoe AI — the first major long-duration storage commitment specifically targeting AI data center load. Deliveries begin 2027. Iron-air provides multi-day storage at lower cost than lithium-ion, critical for AI facilities needing power certainty independent of grid stress.
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Domestic Manufacturing
IRA incentives driving US battery factory buildout. LFP (lithium iron phosphate) gaining share over NMC. Supply chain localization.
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Ancillary Services
Batteries providing frequency regulation, spinning reserves, black start capability. Often more profitable than energy arbitrage.
Key Players
Key Markets
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