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?
Latest Statistical Review of World Energy signposts age of energy additions
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Events and training
CCUS 2025: Real Projects, Real Impact, Delivering Net Zero
14th October 2025 - 15th October 2025
Organised by The Carbon Capture and Storage Association, this is THE global conference on CCUS which delves into the key topics related to commercial ...
Aviation Jet Fuel - October 2025
28th October 2025 - 30th October 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
4th November 2025 - 6th November 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...
Reservoir Microbiology Forum (RMF)
19th November 2025 - 20th November 2025
Abstract deadline extended - submit your entry by 11 July for the opportunity to present at this event.Submit entryThe RMF is an excellent multi-disci...
2025 SafetyOn Stakeholder Forum
4th December 2025
2025 SafetyOn Stakeholder ForumThe 2025 annual SafetyOn Stakeholder Forum will take place on 05th December 2024 at the Edinburgh International Confere...
Technical guidance publications
HM 100. Procedures for the inspection and quantification of LNG cargoes
June 2025
This document provides cargo measurement procedures for liquified natural gas (LNG) for use primarily by cargo inspectors and those instructing nomina...
EI 3589
Good plant design for CO2 stream impurity measurement
May 2025
As carbon capture and storage (CCS) moves from concept to large-scale deployment, ensuring the safe, efficient, and commercially viable operation of C...
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...
Petrol Enforcement Liaison Group (PELG) - PETELs
February 2025
Petroleum Enforcement Liaison Group (PELG) PETELs are free to download for all users. Please note that some PETELs have been removed pending an update...
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), (...