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
Liverpool Bay CCS secures seabed lease for UK-first carbon storage project
4th August 2026
The lease enables Liverpool Bay CCS, part of Eni CCUS, to access the seabed and redeploy legacy offshore assets to transport and permanently store CO2...
China unveils 15th five-year renewable energy plan targeting 3,500GW capacity by 2030
4th August 2026
This directive builds on New Energy World’s coverage from March 2026 detailing China's rapid clean energy expansion. That report documented how record...
ASEAN wind and solar output to remain stable under extreme warming
27th July 2026
The report emphasises the potential resilience of future renewable energy systems compared with the expected performance of fossil fuel-based infrastr...
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...
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 3648
Checklist to ensure safety of electrical appliances in forecourt retail premises
July 2026
EI 3648 Checklist to ensure safety of electrical appliances in forecourt retail premises is a concise technical checklist designed to support the safe...
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...