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.
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.
New Energy World stories
Ukraine ranks fourth in Europe for new battery storage capacity, behind Germany, the UK and Italy
28th August 2026
Small batteries purchased by Ukrainian households and businesses to keep electricity flowing during blackouts drove a fivefold increase in the country...
Clean energy projects face fewer hurdles under England’s new planning framework
28th August 2026
Local planning policies will now carry less influence over energy projects when they conflict with the government’s clean energy priorities. The new N...
Port of Brest confirmed as a major hub for floating wind construction
26th August 2026
Brittany is already an important centre for wind developments along France’s Atlantic coast and in the Celtic Sea, the region hosting around 50% of th...
Start-up of solar-plus-battery facility supports grid power expansion in Sierra Leone
11th August 2026
The project as a whole aims to raise Sierra Leone's electricity access rate from 16% to 36% as operations begin, supporting national electrification g...
South Africa expands renewable generation as wind projects enter operational phase
11th August 2026
The wind farm site is also said to be the first utility-scale wind energy facility built in northwestern Mpumalanga Province. The project is part of a...
Technical guidance publications
EI 3649
Managing the risks associated with unauthorised third-party drone activity near hazardous sites
August 2026
Within the UK, there has been an increase in unauthorised third-party drone activity in the immediate vicinity of industrial sites, including those re...
EI 3418
Code of safe practice for contractors and retailers managing contractors working on filling stations
August 2026
This guideline takes into account current UK legislation and regulations, codes of practice, and industry procedures. It provides information to assis...
EI 3644
Research report: literature review for determining separation distances for small-scale hydrogen installations
August 2026
The EI 3644 Research report: literature review for determining separation distances for small-scale hydrogen installations examines the methodologies ...
EI 3641
Effects of carbon capture and storage plant on thermal power station operation
July 2026
This report explores the operational, economic and environmental implications of integrating carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies into therma...
EI 3638
Vehicle future technology equipment in accordance with EU General Safety Regulations (GSR)
July 2026
In December 2019, the EU officially published the new General Safety Regulation (GSR), Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, amending the European Whole Vehicle ...