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.
Learn about recent public funding for research and development of energy storage on our policy milestone calendar.
$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)
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Events and training
Reservoir Microbiology Forum (RMF)
13/11/2024 - 14/11/2024
The RMF is an excellent multi-disciplinary platform that brings together oil producers, scientists, technologists, engineers, academics, and researche...
Aviation Jet Fuel - Nov 2024
26/11/2024 - 28/11/2024
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 - December 2024
03/12/2024 - 05/12/2024
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
PELG Petrol filling stations - Guidance on managing the risks of fire and explosion (The Red Guide)
002024
Petrol filling stations: Guidance on managing the risks of fire and explosion (the Red Guide) has been jointly developed by industry, regulators ...
Good plant design and operation for onshore and offshore carbon capture installations and pipelines
002024
This publication is an update to the Good plant design and operation for onshore carbon capture installations and onshore pipelines published in 2010....
Hazard analysis for onshore and offshore carbon capture installations and pipelines
002024
This publication is an update to the Technical guidance on hazard analysis for onshore carbon capture installations and onshore pipelines and EI Resea...
IP 467: Determination of the high temperature stability of middle distillate fuel
002024
This standard specifies a procedure for the assessment of the relative stability of middle distillate fuels under high temperature ageing conditions w...
Research report: Understanding stakeholder needs and integration challenges across the hydrogen value-chain
002024
This report covers the range of stakeholders involved in the entire low-carbon hydrogen value chain, their relationships, needs, integration issues, a...