Cost Projections for Utility-Scale Battery Storage: 2025 Update
In this work we describe the development of cost and performance projections for utility-scale lithium-ion battery systems, with a focus on 4-hour duration systems. The projections are
In this work we describe the development of cost and performance projections for utility-scale lithium-ion battery systems, with a focus on 4-hour duration systems. The projections are
Material price fluctuations have influenced battery costs and the overall expense associated with energy storage systems. These trends point toward future scenarios of cost
As businesses and utility providers look to stabilize their power grids and reduce operational costs, the financial metrics of energy storage have come under intense scrutiny.
In support of this challenge, PNNL is applying its rich history of battery research and development to provide DOE and industry with a guide to current energy storage costs and performance
Annual operational costs for utility scale battery storage projects are typically low – around 2% of capex. We assume 2%, equivalent to $2.5/kWh/year, which covers routine
Using the detailed NREL cost models for LIB, we develop base year costs for a 60-MW BESS with storage durations of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours, shown in terms of energy capacity ($/kWh)
Discover the true cost of energy storage power stations. Learn about equipment, construction, O&M, financing, and factors shaping storage system investments.
Let''s cut to the chase: The average utility-scale battery storage system now costs $280-$350/kWh for EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) [3] [5]. But why does your
In support of this challenge, PNNL is applying its rich history of battery research and development to provide DOE and industry with a guide to
As businesses and utility providers look to stabilize their power grids and reduce operational costs, the financial metrics of energy storage have come under intense scrutiny.
Costs vary widely based on size and battery chemistry, generally $500–$1,000 per kWh installed. Additional benefits include demand charge management, energy cost reduction,
The price for batteries in energy storage projects varies significantly based on numerous factors, such as battery chemistry, capacity, and scale of deployment.
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.
Ember provides the latest capex and Levelised Cost of Storage (LCOS) for large, long-duration utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across global markets outside China and the US, based on recent auction results and expert interviews. 1. All-in BESS projects now cost just $125/kWh as of October 2025 2.
Battery storage costs have evolved rapidly over the past several years, necessitating an update to storage cost projections used in long-term planning models and other activities. This work documents the development of these projections, which are based on recent publications of storage costs.
These trends point toward future scenarios of cost reductions and the potential of solid-state batteries. Innovations in energy storage technologies, particularly with lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, have substantially reduced costs.
Figure ES-2 shows the overall capital cost for a 4-hour battery system based on those projections, with storage costs of $147/kWh, $243/kWh, and $339/kWh in 2035 and $108/kWh, $178/kWh, and $307/kWh in 2050 (values in 2024$).