Energy networks and storage

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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.

What's new?

Latest Statistical Review of World Energy signposts age of energy additions

26th June 2025

In a year when average air temperatures consistently breached the 1.5°C warming threshold, global CO₂-equivalent emissions from energy rose by 1%, mar...

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Longship CCS enters operation as Norwegian government gives green light to expansion of Northern Lights’ carbon storage capacity

25th June 2025

Longship is described as Norway’s largest climate investment ever and also Europe’s first complete CCS value chain. The project includes the capture o...

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Voltage missteps triggered the Iberian power outage, says Spanish government – but little consensus exists on who is responsible

25th June 2025

Presenting the incident report to Spain’s Council of Ministers last week, Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge Sara Aagese...

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UK supercharges offshore wind with £1bn investment

25th June 2025

The funding will support the production of turbines, floating platforms, high-voltage cables and emerging technologies, as well as upgrades to key por...

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Chinese carmakers drive global EV sales rise, say BNEF and ICCT

25th June 2025

BloombergNEF’s annual Electric Vehicle Outlook (EVO) expects sales of battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles to grow 25% this year ...

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Events and training

Statistical Review of World Energy 2025 - online global launch webcast

26th June 2025

Please note, registration for this event has now closed. If you have not registered already you can watch the launch event on YouTube: https://www.you...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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Reservoir Microbiology Forum (RMF)

19th November 2025 - 20th November 2025

Now open for abstracts - submit your entry by 27 June for the opportunity to present at this event.Submit entryThe RMF is an excellent multi-disciplin...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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), (...

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Energy Insight: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) in the UK

Read our Energy Insight on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) in the UK