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
Beijing announces three-year plan to reduce carbon emissions and expand clean energy
20th July 2026
The directive requires non-fossil energy consumption to increase by about 1% annually through 2028. It also mandates limiting coal use in power genera...
Industry responds to EU funding block on Chinese inverters
20th July 2026
According to press reports, the rules cover inverters, which convert the DC electricity generated by solar panels to the AC of the grid, as well as po...
Clean cooking gains ground in Africa as investment rises, IEA says
20th July 2026
The IEA finds that $740mn of the $2.2bn pledged at the first Clean Cooking Summit for Africa has been disbursed to projects across nearly 30 countries...
Mitsubishi Power secures Saudi project; Air Liquide to invest $200mn in US expansion
20th July 2026
First, Mitsubishi Power has been awarded a contract to supply boiler components for a fuel conversion project at two thermal power plants in Saudi Ara...
RWE commissions agrivoltaic plants as European co-location sector expands
14th July 2026
The elevated panels provide shade, reducing direct summer radiation, thermal stress and water consumption for the vegetation below. They also protect ...
Technical guidance publications
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 ...
EI 3053
Petroleum road tanker design and construction
July 2026
This publication is intended to provide comprehensive recommendations for the design and construction of complete road tankers for the conveyance of p...
EI 3499
Research report: Application of life cycle assessment methodology to the understanding of the energy balance and efficiency of hydrogen derivative value chain building blocks
July 2026
This research report builds on the Energy Institute’s earlier publication, Research report: Application of life cycle assessment methodology to the un...
EI 3604
Embedding circularity across the life cycle of assets
July 2026
EI 3604 Embedding circularity across the lifecycle of assets helps companies integrate circular economy principles into every stage of an asset’s life...