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)
New Energy World stories
India’s coal plants get battery boost to tackle solar peaks
10th September 2025
India’s power grid faces a major challenge balancing supply and demand as it continues to expand. While electricity demand peaks in the evening, inter...
New UK geothermal energy map published
10th September 2025
The freely-available UK Geothermal Platform provides a map of geothermal energy potential for four key technologies, to enable users to view detailed ...
Aberdeen oil and gas industry hits out at taxation at Offshore Europe
10th September 2025
It argued that the levy is already having a severe impact on the sector by blocking new field development and stalling existing projects. With 282 fie...
First carbon dioxide delivered to pioneering ‘merchant storage’ undersea facility in Norway
2nd September 2025
Northern Lights is said to be the world’s first ‘merchant’ CO2 transportation and storage project. The first phase has a storage capacity of 1.5mn t/y...
US battery giant acquires all remaining Northvolt European assets
2nd September 2025
This significant acquisition includes Northvolt Ett in Skellfteå, Sweden, Northvolt Labs in Västerås, Sweden, and the Northvolt Drei plant in Heide, G...
Technical guidance publications
EI 3599
Research report: Decommissioning, disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries
September 2025
Decommissioning disposal and recycling of lithium ion batteries gives an overview of LIBs, what why are used for, their demand in current industry as ...
EI 3299
Guidelines on earthing/grounding/bonding in the oil and gas industry
September 2025
This publication brings together the essential requirements relating to earthing/grounding and bonding for installations in hazardous areas in the oil...
EI 1597 Aircraft misfuelling prevention
July 2025
This publication provides recommendations to ensure that the correct aviation fuel (product and grade) is always delivered to an aircraft. Delivering ...
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...