This report was authored by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and published on February 2021. This report confirms Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will grow exponentially with utility-scale storage increasing from 899 MW in 2019 to 3,500 MW by 2023.   BESS provides system reliability through frequency regulation, voltage support, and peaking capacity. However battery storage is an emerging technology and lags in integration with renewable resources. North American market development information is provided. California leads with 1,300 facilities in operation or under construction. Lithium-ion and flow battery applications and market potentials are discussed. Recommendations for modifications of NERC standards to address specific issues are provided.
Key words: Market Sizing, Protocols/Standards, Research & Development, Energy Management, Smart Grid, Utilities, Battery Storage