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Utility-Scale Battery Storage in U.S. Increasing Rapidly, EIA Finds

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27 Oct, 2024

This post was originally published on Eco Watch

According to a recent report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), utility-scale battery storage capacity is quickly growing, with capacity reaching 20.7 gigawatts by July 2024 and 21.4 gigawatts as of August 2024.

In 2010, the U.S. had just 4 megawatts of battery storage capacity, and that number remained relatively unchanged until 2020. But over the past few years, battery energy storage capacity has sharply increased as a way to support electricity grids, balance out energy supply and demand to minimize outages and to store energy from renewable sources, like wind and solar, which have also been steadily increasing.

“It’s been extraordinary growth,” John Moura, director of reliability assessment and performance analysis at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, told The Guardian. “It’s still technology that we are getting used to working with because the system wasn’t designed for it, but from a reliability perspective it presents a golden opportunity. This changes the whole paradigm of producing electricity, delivering it and consuming it. Storage gives us a bit of a time machine to deliver it when we need it.”

In the first seven months of 2024 alone, battery storage capacity increased 5 gigawatts. As of August 2024, the total utility-scale battery storage capacity reached 21.4 gigawatts, and this total does not include small-scale battery storage capacity. 

Industrial battery units and solar panels in California’s Coachella Valley. The Desert Photo / iStock / Getty Images Plus

As The Guardian reported, the amount of utility-scale battery storage capacity in the U.S. that has increased from 2020 to 2024 is equivalent to the energy output of 20 nuclear reactors. While batteries don’t generate energy, their ability to store generated power can help improve the resiliency of energy grids.

In the U.S., battery storage, along with solar energy, dominated the new utility-scale electricity generation capacity installed in the first half of 2024. A previous EIA report in August found that of the 20.2 gigawatts of utility-scale electric generating capacity installed from January through June 2024, solar made up 59% and battery storage made up 21% of the total.

The rapid battery storage expansion is critical for not only the U.S. but the world to meet climate goals by 2030. According to an April 2024 report by International Energy Agency (IEA), global battery rollout increased more than 130% in 2023 compared to 2022, but battery capacity expansion still needs to increase six-fold compared to current rates in order to reach net-zero energy goals by 2030.

In the U.S., utility-scale battery storage capacity is expected to double to around 40 gigawatts by 2025, if projects that are currently planned go into operation, The Guardian reported. But experts still warn that the U.S., and the world, needs to work on cutting emissions of electricity generation from fossil fuels alongside increasing renewable energy generation and storage capacity.

“There are a lot of changes happening but monstrous action is still needed if we are going to make this energy transition,” Moura told The Guardian.

The post Utility-Scale Battery Storage in U.S. Increasing Rapidly, EIA Finds appeared first on EcoWatch.

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Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

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