Battery Energy Storage: Benefits

Flexibility for our power system, benefits for us all.

Energy storage systems provide flexibility to our electric infrastructure, producing a number of benefits:

Bolstering a clean electricity system

Energy storage enables electricity to be saved and used at a later time, when and where it is most needed. That unique flexibility enables power grid operators to rely on much higher amounts of variable, clean sources of electricity, like solar, wind, and hydropower, and to reduce our dependence on fuel-based generation, like coal and gas. Delivering more clean electricity with energy storage reduces local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from our power system.

Reducing cost

By storing energy when the price of electricity is low and discharging that energy later during periods of expensive, high demand, energy storage reduces the cost of power. When passed through to customers, those efficiencies can save families and businesses money.

Enhancing resilience

Similar to back-up batteries for household devices, energy storage systems support the larger electrical grid during extreme weather events and other disruptions. Keeping the lights on, air-conditioning or heating systems operating, and critical infrastructure working is important to keeping people safe.

Did you know?

Facts about energy storage.

The U.S. has over 30 gigawatts of grid-connected battery storage operating today and is on a path to 100 gigawatts by the end of the decade.

Battery storage systems are everywhere – in cities and rural areas, in desert and arctic communities.

Power grid operators have been reliably operating battery storage systems for more than a decade.

Since 2013, battery costs have declined more than 90% while battery energy density has tripled.

The demand for greater electric system flexibility has elevated batteries to a central role in the power system.

Battery energy storage is low impact, with no air or water emissions and a compact footprint.

The U.S. energy storage industry supports over 70,000 jobs in advanced manufacturing, engineering, construction, and professional u0026 other services.