Record year 2022 for energy storage in the USA
According to data published by the American Clean Power Association (ACP), the installed capacity of battery energy storage systems in the US increased by 80% in 2022. New projects with a capacity of 4 GW were commissioned.
The report provided a comprehensive overview of the cumulative installed capacity across three pivotal technologies: energy storage, photovoltaics (PV), and wind farms. Collectively, these technologies achieved a remarkable industrial-scale installed capacity of nearly 228 GW by the close of the preceding year.
While this achievement is undeniably impressive, the year 2022 witnessed a slight decline in the number of implementations, considering both photovoltaics and wind turbines. This decline can be largely attributed to challenges arising from disrupted supply chains and protracted wait times for grid connection. Consequently, numerous projects faced setbacks, leading to delays in their execution. The aggregate capacity of these projects facing delays was estimated to be approximately 53 GW.
Despite these challenges, the combined installed capacity across these technologies underscores the significant strides made in expanding renewable energy infrastructure. As the industry grapples with logistical hurdles and works to mitigate such issues, the outlook for the growth and resilience of these technologies remains promising, contributing to the overall transformation of the global energy landscape.
Dynamic development until 2030
According to the insights shared by ACP CEO Jason Grumet, a notable expansion is anticipated in installed capacity within the aforementioned technologies by the year 2030, foreseeing a threefold increase compared to current levels. This growth impetus is expected to be bolstered by factors such as the Act on Reducing Inflation.
As highlighted by Jason Grumet, a pivotal catalyst for this expansion is the steadfast support for renewable energy, prominently articulated by congress members and governors alike.
At present, the renewable energy sector in the United States provides employment for around 450,000 individuals. Over the past 10 months, the announcement of the construction of 50 new production facilities, primarily focusing on PV modules, has taken place, collectively amounting to a value exceeding $150 billion. Among these facilities, ten are set to specialize in the energy storage domain.
A milestone development in the US energy storage landscape during 2022 was the commencement of operations for the Crimson project in Riverside County, California, boasting an impressive power capacity of 350 MW.
These unfolding trends strongly indicate that the upcoming years will usher in substantial transformations within the United States’ energy sector, aligning with the strategic direction set forth by the Biden administration. For further insights, you can delve into our article “Partial Decarbonization of the United States by 2050.”