Interconnection queue data shows battery storage is finally the plurality technology in five out of seven ISO regions. We unpack what changed.
In Short
- Interconnection queue data shows battery storage is finally the plurality technology in five out of seven ISO regions. We unpack what changed.
In the first six months of 2026, U.S. utility-scale battery storage additions crossed 19 GW — more than every full year prior to 2024 combined.
What changed
- IRA §45X manufacturing credit fully in effect.
- Interconnection reform (FERC Order 2023) clearing the pre-2023 zombie queue.
- Corporate PPA appetite from hyperscalers who need firmed 24/7 clean energy.
FAQ: Storage
Quick answers to what readers of this article most often ask.
- ERCOT still leads on absolute additions, but CAISO and NYISO are growing faster on a relative basis and are trending toward 6-hour and 8-hour duration systems.
