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)
What's new?
UK publishes detail on long duration energy storage ‘cap and floor’ investment framework
19/3/2025
The TDD sets out how the cap and floor scheme will operate, application window timelines, eligibility criteria and the potential LDES capacity needed,...
Pilot project demonstrates feasibility of large-scale hydrogen storage, as new measurement innovations are also announced
12/3/2025
HYBRIT: Large-scale storage of fossil-free hydrogen gasThe HYBRIT initiative was launched in 2016 by Sweden’s SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall, w...
No new oil and gas licences, but more wind and hydrogen: UK government unveils new North Sea vision
12/3/2025
The consultation, which will run until the end of April, aims to place the North Sea – its communities, workers, businesses and supply chains – at the...
Germany set to secure energy independence, but narrowly miss climate target
12/3/2025
DNV’s first German Energy Transition Outlook (ETO) report forecasts that its energy mix by supply will shift dramatically. Imports, which currently ma...
Boom time for batteries as industry sees falling prices and soaring demand
12/3/2025
IEA report: A new phase for batteriesThe global battery industry has entered a new phase marked by record-breaking battery deployment and ...
Events and training
Unlocking Flexibility - The Role of Batteries in a Low-Carbon Energy System
25/3/2025
Registration for this event has now closed. Join us for an insightful event focusing on the pivotal role of battery energy storage systems in pro...
Energy Institute Northern Ireland - Technical Visit to B9 Energy
31/3/2025
Event DetailsVisit B9 Energy’s HQ to see their Direct Air Capture (DAC) machine along with a visit to Larne Harbour to see their pre-deployment ...
Hazardous Area Classification - April 2025
8/4/2025 - 10/4/2025
This 3-day training course will provide delegates with training on the Energy Institute Model Safe Code of Practice 15, Area Classification for Instal...
Aviation Jet Fuel - April 2024
29/4/2025 - 1/5/2025
This 3-day training course will provide delegates with an overview of aviation jet fuel, focusing on the jet engine, its underlying principles and fue...
Hazardous Area Classification - November 2025
4/11/2025 - 6/11/2025
This 3-day training course will provide delegates with training on the Energy Institute Model Safe Code of Practice 15, Area Classification for Instal...
Technical guidance publications
EI 3581
Guidance on co-location of battery energy storage system (BESS) with power generation plant
February 2025
This publication is free of charge. Register/log in to download. Power generation systems are decarbonising and so the need for electrical energy sto...
EI 1533 Quality assurance requirements for semi-synthetic jet fuel and synthetic blending components (SBC)
February 2025
EI 1533 provides essential quality assurance requirements and recommendations for the manufacture of synthetic (jet fuel) blending components (SBC), (...
EI 3312
Guidance on hydrogen delivery systems for refuelling of motor vehicles, co-located with petrol filling stations (Supplement to the Blue Book)
January 2025
This publication provides guidance for companies that provide sites for the refuelling of hydrogen-powered motor vehicles, including HGVs, and for aut...
EI 3580
Guidelines on integrity management for LNG operations
January 2025
The purpose of this publication is to provide information and guidance on the identification and management of corrosion and degradation threats as pa...
EI 1542 Identification markings for dedicated aviation fuel manufacturing and distribution facilities, airport storage and mobile fuelling equipment
December 2024
This publication provides a uniform and easily understood system for showing which product/grade of fuel is in each part of an aviation fuel handling ...