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?

Power plant transformations provide a boost to the energy transition in Taiwan and the UK

16th July 2025

The first of three new gas-fired combined cycle blocks at Taiwan Power Company Nan Bu Construction Organization (TPC NPCO)’s Hsinta power plant in Kao...

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US DoE report warning that blackouts could increase by 100 times in 2030 gets mixed reactions

16th July 2025

On 7 July 2025, the US Department of Energy released a controversial Resource Adequacy Report, in response to an Executive Order by President Donald T...

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UK government rules out move to zonal pricing for electricity market

16th July 2025

While zonal pricing would have split Great Britain into multiple regions to reflect local generation and transmission costs, concerns from renewable o...

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Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ blows big hole in US emissions target

9th July 2025

According to estimates based on modelling by Princeton University’s REPEAT Project, passage of the Bill will add an extra 7bn tonnes of greenhouse gas...

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Four timely new reports offer both optimism and concern about the pace of the energy transition

2nd July 2025

  WEF Energy Transition Index accelerates – but UK ranks 16thThe World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 2025 Energy Transition Index (ETI) shows an an...

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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 ...

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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

Abstract deadline extended - submit your entry by 18 July for the opportunity to present at this event.Submit entryThe RMF is an excellent multi-disci...

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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...

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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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You may also be interested in

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

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