A significant milestone for the energy sector, battery storage emerged as the primary source of supply during the evening peak in the California grid, one of the world’s largest grids and a key player in the global economy. The event, which unfolded on Tuesday night, marked the first time battery storage outpaced gas, hydro, nuclear, and renewables, supplying over 6 gigawatts (GW) of electricity for a period of approximately two hours.
Energy analysts and data experts, including Joe Deely, took note of this breakthrough on Twitter, highlighting the unprecedented output of battery storage. Grid Status data revealed that at 8:10 pm local time, battery storage reached a peak output of 6,177 MW, surpassing California’s previous record set earlier this year. Just five years ago, battery storage output stood at a mere 120 MW, underlining the rapid advancements in technology within California’s grid.
The California Energy Commission reported last October that the state boasted approximately 6.6 GW of installed battery storage capacity, with a significant portion dedicated to utility-scale projects. This surge in battery storage deployment aligns with California’s ambitious goal of sourcing all its power from carbon-free sources by 2045.
CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda emphasized the role of energy storage systems in shaping a more equitable, reliable, and affordable energy grid for the future. Australia is also witnessing a similar transition, albeit on a smaller scale compared to California. With over 2 GW of battery capacity, Australia’s South Australia state leads the charge, integrating battery storage into its grid to accommodate the increasing share of wind and solar energy.
California’s grid has been setting records in renewable energy utilization, with renewables meeting 100% of electricity demand for significant durations in recent weeks. This achievement underscores the pivotal role of battery storage in facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid while ensuring stability and reliability.
