Energy storage: 5 trends to look for in 2026

2025 was a record-breaking year for the energy storage market globally. Installations passed 100 GW for the first time – a milestone achieved even as some of the largest energy markets grappled with significant policy shifts.  

China, for instance, removed the mandate to install storage with new renewables. Instead, they will be relying on market mechanisms, introducing uncertainty into future revenue streams. Meanwhile in the US, storage kept its tax incentive, but this came with significant supply chain constraints that rule out Chinese modules.  

What will the year ahead bring for energy storage in the US and China? Will growth continue to accelerate in the Middle East and Europe, where government-led tenders support new additions? Drawing on unique insight from Wood Mackenzie Lens Energy Storage, our new report sets out Five trends to look for in global energy storage in 2026. Fill in the form for your complimentary copy, and read on for a short introduction to some of the themes explored.  

Restructuring in the global energy storage supply chain 

China maintains its dominant position in energy storage supply chains across raw-material processing, component manufacturing, battery manufacturing and system integration. However, domestic overcapacity and escalating local content requirements are driving manufacturers to diversify investments beyond China's borders to circumvent tariffs.  

Chinese suppliers are strategically positioning themselves to serve global demand, with expansion efforts focused on South and Southeast Asia, MENA and Europe. 

Significant supply chain challenges loom in the near term, particularly in the US market. Chinese manufacturers are expected to announce new ownership structures in 2026 to regain US market access, reducing ownership below 25% to meet FEoC requirements. How will this impact the market? Will supply shortages persist – and how will prices be affected? Find out more in the full report.  

Non-lithium technologies – including sodium-ion – emerging at scale 

Clean energy is entering a critical decade. 2026 will be a turning point as evolving market forces and policy direction significantly accelerate momentum. Alternative storage technologies – including sodium-ion, flow batteries and iron-air systems – are gaining traction as supply chains for lithium grow more complicated, especially for the US market.  

Increased investment and technology-specific RFP activity, particularly for non-lithium storage, is emerging across major markets such as China, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Italy and California.  

What are the advantages of sodium-ion and other non-lithium technologies? Who’s leading the charge in this space in 2026? Learn more in the full report.  

Also in Five trends to look for in global energy storage in 2026…  

How do regional energy storage market dynamics differ? Is this the year that grid-forming energy storage will evolve from a technical curiosity to a commercial necessity? And how will storage be deployed to support data centre growth? We explore these themes and more in the full report.  

Fill in the form at the top of the page for your complimentary copy.