California has expanded its battery storage capacity to 16,942 megawatts (MW), marking an increase of about 1,200 MW in the past six months and a 2,100% rise since Governor Gavin Newsom took office in 2019. This new total means the state has built one-third of the storage capacity estimated to be needed by 2045 to meet its clean energy targets.
Governor Newsom also announced that California will join the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, a COP initiative supported by more than 100 countries and organizations. California is the first subnational entity to join this pledge, which aims to deploy 1,500 gigawatts of energy storage globally, double worldwide grid investments, and build 25 million kilometers of new transmission infrastructure by 2030.
“Donald Trump’s reckless energy agenda puts China first and America last — letting Beijing seize the global clean energy economy and the good-paying jobs, manufacturing, and economic prosperity that come with it. California won’t stand by and watch,” Gov. Newsom said. “While Donald Trump is failing, the Golden State is leading. We’re deploying more battery storage than any state in America, building a stronger grid, cutting pollution, and making abundant clean energy even more affordable.”
Battery storage systems are essential for grid reliability as they store excess solar and wind power for use during peak demand periods. California has not called a Flex Alert for voluntary conservation in three years—a result attributed to its growing battery fleet.
Of the state’s total storage capacity, large utility-scale projects account for 13,880 MW. The remainder comes from behind-the-meter systems: over 200,000 homes provide 2,213 MW through installed batteries; businesses, schools, and local government facilities contribute another 849 MW.
California leads all U.S. states in installed battery capacity—second only to China globally—and Texas follows with about 9,000 MW.
Clean energy now represents the lowest-cost source of electricity generation worldwide; battery storage costs have dropped by approximately 93% since 2010.
“These systems are proving every day that a clean energy grid can be both clean and reliable, and that California’s investments are delivering results,” said California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild.
“California is showcasing how to cost-effectively plan for and build our clean energy future,” said California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) President Alice Reynolds. “The state is setting the standard for deploying storage resources to complement a grid increasingly powered by renewable energy. It’s a smart way to manage electricity costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.”
Battery deployment has helped California handle extreme heat events without outages or emergency conservation calls since unprecedented heatwaves in recent years prompted increased investment in flexible resources.
Current battery systems can supply enough electricity for several hours to meet about one-quarter of record peak demand in California.
Safety remains a priority as battery technology evolves. Last September Gov. Newsom established an interagency group focused on improving safety standards for these systems. Updates include revisions to fire codes expected this year with stricter safety standards for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). In March the CPUC required new maintenance protocols at BESS facilities; Senate Bill 283 mandates developers work with local fire authorities on risk assessment and emergency planning.
While some high-profile fires have occurred at battery sites worldwide, such incidents remain rare relative to deployment numbers due in part to improved construction standards like fireproof panels between packs and advanced heat detection technology.
Expanding battery storage supports California’s goal of reaching 100 percent clean electricity by mid-century. Renewable sources already supply nearly two-thirds of retail electricity sales within the state; coal-fired power will be eliminated from its mix by year-end. The main system operator meets demand with all-clean power on average for nearly six hours daily so far this year.
