Dilemma of the energy storage industry chain

What challenges do energy storage resources face?

Energy storage resources present a distinct set of challenges given their unique nature: unlike conventional or renewable generation, energy storage resources must be charged with electric power, which will sometimes (but not always) be provided by the offtaker.

How has the IRA impacted the energy storage industry?

The energy storage industry has continued to progress over the course of 2024 and into 2025, buoyed in significant part by the federal income tax benefits in the form of tax credits enacted under the IRA. Energy storage was one of the major beneficiaries of the IRA’s new rules on both the deployment and manufacturing sides.

Will energy-storage companies win big?

As the market evolves, we expect a relatively small set of energy-storage companies to win big, taking share away from less cost-effective rivals. In this article, we look at how the cost profile of energy-storage systems is changing and what companies in the sector can do to boost their chances of success.

How is the storage market changing?

As the storage market grows, procurement strategies are evolving to manage supply chain risks, cost volatility, safety issues, and regulatory shifts. Utilities and developers are structuring agreements to balance financial risk and feasibility.

Are energy-storage costs dropping too fast?

The costs of energy-storage systems are dropping too fast for inefficient players to hide. The winners in this market will be those that aggressively pursue and achieve operational improvements. Energy-storage companies, get ready. Even with continued declines in storage-system costs, the decade ahead could be more difficult than you think.

Are energy-storage systems dropping too fast for inefficient players to hide?

The authors wish to thank Jesse Noffsinger, Matt Rogers, Frederic Saggini, Giulia Siccardo, Willem van Schalkwyk, and Amy Wagner for their contributions to this article. The costs of energy-storage systems are dropping too fast for inefficient players to hide.