Insights

U.S. Battery Capacity Growth Forecast: 2026–2031

U.S. Battery Capacity Growth Forecast: 2026–2031

Visual Capitalist & NPUC

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Key Takeaways

  • U.S. battery capacity is projected to more than double between 2025 and 2028.

  • Growth slows after 2028, which creates an opportunity for new storage development.

  • Utilities like Southern California Edison can use batteries to shift solar power into evening peaks.

America’s power system needs more flexibility as electricity demand climbs and renewable generation expands. Battery capacity helps meet that need by storing power, shifting load, and supporting reliability.

This graphic, in partnership with The National Public Utilities Council, shows projected U.S. battery capacity growth from 2026 to 2031 using data from the EIA.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. battery capacity is projected to more than double between 2025 and 2028.

  • Growth slows after 2028, which creates an opportunity for new storage development.

  • Utilities like Southern California Edison can use batteries to shift solar power into evening peaks.

America’s power system needs more flexibility as electricity demand climbs and renewable generation expands. Battery capacity helps meet that need by storing power, shifting load, and supporting reliability.

This graphic, in partnership with The National Public Utilities Council, shows projected U.S. battery capacity growth from 2026 to 2031 using data from the EIA.

Why Battery Storage Matters

Battery storage now ranks among the grid’s most useful balancing tools. For sunny-state utilities like Southern California Edison, batteries can move midday solar output into evening peak hours.

Here is a table that shows projected cumulative U.S. battery capacity from 2025 through 2031.

Year

Projected Cumulative Battery Capacity (MW)

2025 (current baseline)

43,555.6

2026

67,954.1

2027

90,655.7

2028

103,645.8

2029

110,049.8

2030

111,382.3

2031

112,400.9

Growth Accelerates Through 2028

The buildout is steep in the near term. U.S. battery capacity rises from 43,555.6 MW in 2025 to 67,954.1 MW in 2026, then reaches 103,645.8 MW by 2028.

That means the country adds roughly 60,000 MW in three years. Meanwhile, utilities gain more room to manage peaks, integrate renewables, and improve local reliability.

This matters because new electricity demand rarely arrives in a smooth pattern. Batteries help utilities respond faster when weather, load, or solar output changes.

A Plateau Creates Opportunity

After 2028, the curve begins to flatten. Capacity still reaches 112,400.9 MW by 2031, but annual gains slow sharply.

However, that softer pipeline looks more like an opening than a warning. As rising data center power demand grows, utilities will need fresh storage projects to keep pace.

What Utilities Can Do Next

Therefore, the next phase will depend on proactive planning, faster procurement, and durable investment signals. Utilities that move early can secure flexibility before demand pressure intensifies.

In turn, this forecast points to a strong market for the next wave of battery capacity. That is good news for utilities, regulators, and grid resilience alike.