Worldwide grid-scale battery electricity storage system capacity was 55.7GW in 2023
Energy storage provides the flexibility to supply energy when needed, using various forms such as chemical, kinetic, thermal, and gravitational potential. The choice of storage depends on location and reserve service, as different technologies offer varying capacities and durations. Traditional fuel storage has long been common, but integrating intermittent renewable sources necessitates energy storage for a resilient, low-carbon network. Strategically placed storage can prevent costly network upgrades and enhance grid security through interconnection. Applications range from small-scale systems in homes to utility-scale storage. Examples include lithium-ion batteries, pumped hydroelectric storage, and ice storage tanks. Surplus renewable electricity can produce hydrogen for long-term storage, and electric vehicles can also serve as storage systems. As energy storage becomes crucial for a sustainable future, evaluating technologies for cost, efficiency, material sustainability, and safety is essential.
Learn more about storage by reading our Energy Insights.
Read our New Energy World articles on how energy storage fits into strategies for carbon reduction.
View our Energy Essentials Guide to learn more about hydrogen.
$0billion
plus was invested in battery energy storage in 2022 (IEA)
0Mt
of hydrogen was used globally in 2022 (IEA)
0TWh
of utility scale energy storage capacity is forecast to be in place by 2050 (DNV)
0GW
of pumped hydropower storage capacity is estimated to be in place by 2030 (International Hydropower Association)
New Energy World stories
Two pioneering hybrid renewables projects in Germany and the Philippines aim to design out intermittency
1st October 2025
German utility EnBW has commissioned the initial phase of what will be the country’s first ever project to combine a solar park, wind turbines and bat...
European manufacturing cost premiums raise solar LCOE 15% above that of Chinese-made panels
1st October 2025
The gap stems from higher costs in equipment (+40%), building and facilities (+110%), labour (+280%) and material costs (+50%), notes the analysis. As...
UK backs first EfW carbon capture project while new study highlights the sector’s net-negative potential
1st October 2025
The confirmation of government support for the Protos CCS project near Ellesmere Port in north-west England puts the plant on track to be operational ...
US big tech deals boost UK’s AI ambitions
24th September 2025
Google selects Shell as its UK renewable energy managerGoogle has selected Shell Energy Europe as its renewable energy manager in the UK. ...
While Oman bets big on hydrogen, Kuwait’s ambitious renewables growth plans at the other end of the Persian Gulf may be overheating
24th September 2025
Grappling with relentless heat, ageing infrastructure and unplanned power outages has prompted major investments in grid reliability in Kuwait. Today,...
Technical guidance publications
EI 3599
Research report: Decommissioning, disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries
September 2025
Decommissioning disposal and recycling of lithium ion batteries gives an overview of LIBs, what why are used for, their demand in current industry as ...
EI 3299
Guidelines on earthing/grounding/bonding in the oil and gas industry
September 2025
This publication brings together the essential requirements relating to earthing/grounding and bonding for installations in hazardous areas in the oil...
EI 1597 Aircraft misfuelling prevention
July 2025
This publication provides recommendations to ensure that the correct aviation fuel (product and grade) is always delivered to an aircraft. Delivering ...
HM 100. Procedures for the inspection and quantification of LNG cargoes
June 2025
This document provides cargo measurement procedures for liquified natural gas (LNG) for use primarily by cargo inspectors and those instructing nomina...
EI 3589
Good plant design for CO2 stream impurity measurement
May 2025
As carbon capture and storage (CCS) moves from concept to large-scale deployment, ensuring the safe, efficient, and commercially viable operation of C...