Energy storage industry and international trade

Which international trade issues will remain a concern for energy storage projects?

Two major areas of international trade that will remain causes of concern for energy storage projects are the application of tariffs and supply chain integrity.

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 US tariffs affect energy storage?

There have also been indications that the US administration may consider other tariff proposals impacting energy storage, such as a 10–20% universal tariff, tariffs of up to 60% across the board on Chinese-origin goods, and tariffs of 25% on Mexican and Canadian origin goods.

Why do data centers need a high-temperature energy storage system?

Thermal storage and compressed-air energy storage (CAES) suit the region’s hot climate and vast salt caverns, spurring exportable know-how in high-temperature storage designs. U.S. data centers could draw 6.7-12% of nationwide electricity by 2028, more than double 2023 levels.

Why is energy storage important?

Continued expansion of intermittent renewable energy, ESG-focused investments, the growing versatility of storage technologies to provide grid and customer services, and declining costs for key components like lithium-ion batteries all played a significant role in driving the investment and development of energy storage.

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.