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
Australia orders 7.8 GW of renewables and 7.9 GWh of storage in latest auction
2nd June 2026
Collectively the projects are expected to supply electricity to around four million households by the end of the decade, with much of the capacity del...
After a year of decline, global clean energy trade rebounded to $479bn in 2025, according to new report
2nd June 2026
Recent geopolitical developments, including the Iran conflict, have contributed to a sharp rise in global fossil fuel prices, disproportionately affec...
Cement-sector carbon capture moves towards industrial deployment as infrastructure pressures grow
1st June 2026
The facility is expected to process up to 50,000 t/y of industrial residue while producing 125,000 tonnes of aggregate annually for use in infrastruct...
Electrification programmes could solve nations’ over-reliance on fossil fuel imports, but will be limited by grid investments, according to reports
26th May 2026
A new report from BNEF suggests countries could significantly cut their reliance on imported fossil fuels over the coming decades, as rapid advances i...
Poo power progress: projects turn sewage into energy
26th May 2026
First, UK startup Firefly has signed an agreement with Turkish engineering company Altaca to supply technology for a planned UK facility producing sus...
Technical guidance publications
HM 86. Guidelines for measurement of crude oil loaded at offshore installations
May 2026
The loading of crude oil cargoes on ships offshore (i.e. not alongside a berth) has been a relatively common activity for some years, particularly for...
Oil Water Liaison group - Information page
April 2026
Oil and Water Liaison GroupThe Oil & Water Liaison Group is an unincorporated body and working group of the Energy Institute which acts as a forum for...
EI 3631
Safe electrical work practices for large-scale lithium-ion battery storage
March 2026
This publication has been developed by the EI in response to the growing demand for structured guidance on the safe installation, operation and mainte...
EI 3619
Report on the storage, carriage, inspection and analysis of used cooking oil
February 2026
This report highlights the key considerations and concerns when inspecting (measurement and sampling), analysing, storing and transporting used cookin...
HM 16. The calibration of reference meters on selected hydrocarbon products
February 2026
There are various sections in the Hydrocarbon Management (HM) series of publications that deal with the use of reference meters for the calibration of...