The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a new circular aimed at encouraging wider adoption of energy storage systems (ESS) across the country.
Under the new guideline, all new renewable energy plants with a capacity of 10 megawatts (MW) or more will be required to include ESS equal to at least 20 percent of their capacity. DOE says this will help integrate more renewable energy into the grid while keeping electricity supply stable and reliable.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin emphasized that energy storage is not just for storing extra power. “It strengthens the grid’s capability to absorb more renewables while maintaining reliability,” she said, adding that the policy will ensure ESS becomes a standard part of planning and development for new energy projects.
The circular also encourages ESS systems to have grid-support features, such as inverters that stabilize voltage and frequency, helping reduce energy losses and improve overall grid performance. DOE said these systems will play a key role in voltage stability, frequency control, backup supply during outages, and other essential grid services.
DOE’s data show that as of October 2025, the country had 763 MW of installed ESS capacity, mostly from battery systems (714 MW), with the rest from hybrid diesel-battery setups (49 MW). The new policy is expected to boost investment, expand renewable energy use, and support cleaner, more reliable power for consumers.
