US energy storage market adds record 5.6 GWh in Q2 2023 driven by grid-scale segment

California dominated activity, with 738 MW and a 49% share of installed capacity.

The US energy storage market added a record 5,597 MWh across all segments in Q2 2023, with the grid-scale segment contributing 5,109 MWh, up 172% quarter-on-quarter. A new report by energy research firm Wood Mackenzie and the American Clean Power Association said the grid-scale sector was the main driver, accounting for 83% of total installations, or 55 GW. The grid segment's performance beat a Q4 2021 record by 5%. California dominated activity, with 738 MW and a 49% share of installed capacity.

Vanessa Witte, senior analyst with Wood Mackenzie’s energy storage team, attributed the sector's strong performance to delayed projects coming to fruition and the need for cleaner energy. While community, commercial and industrial installations recorded a year-on-year increase of 25%, quarter-on-quarter they fell by 53%. The growth projection for these installations over the next five years has been downgraded by 28% to 3 GW. Residential storage recorded a year-on-year decrease, with California seeing a 37% fall. Witte said growth projections for the residential segment remained strong for the next five years, with anticipated growth to 8 GW in 2027.