US Breaks Energy Storage Record With 15.2 Gigawatts in 2025

America just shattered its energy storage record, installing 15.2 gigawatts of new battery capacity in 2025. That's enough power storage to supply electricity to millions of homes when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing.

The new installations represent a 35% jump from the previous year, according to BloombergNEF's latest report. This massive buildout helped push total new power capacity to the highest level in over two decades.

The growth came at a perfect time. As solar and wind farms multiply across the country, utilities need batteries to store that clean energy for use during peak demand hours. Think of it as building the gas tanks for our renewable energy future.

The numbers tell an impressive story. America now has 42 gigawatt-hours of stored energy capacity from modern batteries, joining the existing pumped hydro systems that have quietly stored power for generations. Together, these systems are making renewable energy more reliable than ever.

The year wasn't without challenges. Battery import tariffs swung wildly throughout 2025, starting at 11%, spiking to over 156% in spring, then settling at 31% by December. Companies adapted quickly, diversifying their supply chains and ramping up domestic manufacturing.

American battery manufacturing capacity grew 56% in 2025, reaching 295 gigawatt-hours annually. Some electric vehicle battery makers even shifted production to stationary storage systems, showing how flexible the growing industry has become.

The Bright Side

Looking ahead, the framework is in place for continued growth. Storage projects still qualify for a 30% tax credit through 2034, giving developers long-term certainty for planning new installations. This stability helps utilities and companies commit to multi-year buildout plans.

More good news: battery costs keep falling while performance improves. Cheaper storage means renewable energy becomes more competitive with fossil fuels, even without subsidies. Every price drop makes the next wave of projects more economically attractive.

The momentum extends beyond just numbers. Nearly $106 billion in clean energy manufacturing investments have been announced since major climate legislation passed. Factories are opening in communities across America, creating jobs while building the infrastructure for a cleaner grid.

This record-breaking year proved that clean energy storage can scale quickly when market forces and policy align. The technology works, costs are dropping, and manufacturing is ramping up on American soil.

America's electricity grid is getting smarter and cleaner, one battery at a time.