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Are California's battery energy storage systems going up?

For Immediate Release: October 24, 2023 SACRAMENTO — New data show California is surging forward with the buildout of battery energy storage systems with more than 6,600 megawatts (MW) online, enough electricity to power 6.6 million homes for up to four hours.

How big is California's battery bank?

The 680-megawatt lithium-ion battery bank is big even for California, which boasts about 55% of the nation’s power storage capacity, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Calpine will bring online 620 MW of the bank in two phases this year starting in the summer and open the remaining 60 MW in 2025.

Why is battery energy storage important in California?

The ever-growing battery energy storage fleet is becoming vitally important for California to maintain a clean and reliable power grid – storing energy from renewable sources like solar during the day to use when solar drops off in the evening hours.

Where is California's largest battery storage facility?

A drone view shows California's largest battery storage facility, as it nears completion on a 43-acre site in Menifee, California, U.S., March 28, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake By Nichola Groom and Jorge Garcia

Is battery storage the new norm?

In what seems to become the new norm, battery storage was once again the single biggest supplier on the grid in the evening peak last weekend. According to data collected by CAISO's Grid Status, a new record discharge of 6.52 GW was registered on the weekend. On April 30, the peak battery discharge rose to 6.76 GW, shattering the previous record.

Are batteries a major force impacting CAISO's grid operations?

Batteries have taken a huge leap forward in CAISO this spring, shifting from a noteworthy trend into a major force impacting operations of the grid Battery storage has been a standout performer in California ISO this spring. After years of growth, batteries have reached a level of operations where they now play a newly impactful role on the grid.