Since Governor Newsom took office, California’s battery storage has increased 1,944% – and just achieved a major milestone
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~ California's Battery Storage Capacity Exceeds 15,700 Megawatts, Reflecting Governor Newsom's Leadership in Building the Grid of the Future

Sacramento - In a major milestone for California's energy transformation, the state's battery storage capacity has now exceeded 15,700 megawatts (MW), according to new data released today. This reflects a 1,944% increase since Governor Gavin Newsom took office in 2019 and highlights his administration's continued efforts to build the grid of the future.

The rapid expansion of energy storage statewide has been a key focus for California, with an additional 2,300 MW added since last September. This growth is largely attributed to the deployment of battery systems that capture power from renewable sources such as wind and solar and discharge it back to the electric grid during times of peak demand. This not only creates a more reliable power grid but also contributes to a cleaner energy future.

Governor Newsom expressed his enthusiasm for this achievement, stating that "the key to a cleaner, more reliable power grid is batteries." He also noted that California is leading the way in battery storage deployment globally, second only to China.

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In addition to utility-scale battery storage systems, tens of thousands of residential and commercial battery systems are also providing backup power and flexibility to homes, schools, and businesses. These smaller-scale systems make up about 16% of the total battery storage capacity in the state.

Looking towards the future, California projects that over 48,000 MW of battery storage and 4,000 MW of long duration storage will be needed by 2045. Long duration energy storage systems are especially important as they can provide up to 10 hours of power – more than double what traditional battery technology can offer.

As California continues its efforts to build out the grid of the future, safety remains a top priority. The state has proactively addressed safety concerns for utility-scale battery storage systems through collaborations and regulatory updates. Governor Newsom recently convened a state-level collaborative to further improve safety as technology continues to evolve. The California Public Utilities Commission has also implemented new safety standards for battery storage facilities, with further enhancements expected in the upcoming update to the California Fire Code.

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This achievement in battery storage capacity is just one example of California's climate leadership. Despite a 78% increase in GDP since 2000, the state has managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. Last year, California ran on 100% clean electricity for the equivalent of 51 days, with the grid running on clean energy for three out of every five days.

In other recent news, Governor Newsom announced a $1.7 billion investment in improving the safety and resiliency of highways across the state, including funds for infrastructure damaged during the Los Angeles firestorms earlier this year. He also reassured international partners that President Trump's tariffs do not represent California's stance on trade and proclaimed May 2025 as "Small Business Month" in recognition of the state's more than 4.2 million small businesses.

With its continued efforts towards a cleaner and more reliable energy future, California remains at the forefront of climate action and innovation.

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