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As War in Iran Drives Push for Energy Security, Energy Storage Forecast Revised Upwards over Next Five Years
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. energy storage industry installed 9.7 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of new capacity in the first quarter of 2026, the strongest first quarter in the sector’s history. According to the U.S. Energy Storage Market Outlook Q2 2026 (ESMO) released on Thursday by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, energy storage installations in Q1 were up 32% year-over-year despite actions in Washington targeting clean energy.
Over 610 GWh of energy storage is now expected to be installed by 2030, up from previous projections. As investors, developers, and grid operators respond to energy price volatility tied to disrupted global gas and gas turbine supplies, solar and storage are becoming increasingly attractive because they are insulated from fuel price swings and increasingly made in America.
“Energy storage’s remarkable first quarter only underscores the fundamental values of this technology: it’s insulated from fuel price shocks, keeps electricity costs down, and strengthens grid reliability,” said Darren Van’t Hof, interim president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “While long-term forecasts are validating that the demand for this technology is rising as off-takers seek energy security, actions in Washington to stall permitting are threatening to slow that progress. Storage can help America meet rising energy demand and strengthen American energy independence, but only if Washington lets the solar and storage industry build.”
