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
Ofgem shortlist marks milestone for long-duration electricity storage
7th July 2026
The shortlist includes projects with a combined capacity of 7.6GW across four technologies: pumped storage hydro, compressed air energy storage, lithi...
Solar generation eases European gas price spike despite flexibility challenges
7th July 2026
To explain this contrast, the industry association published figures in July 2026, based on data from its automated Electricity Data Assistant (ELDA) ...
Power-to-X enters a new operational phase
7th July 2026
As one of Denmark’s earliest operational facilities begins hydrogen production, Germany’s ERA ONE plant has become the first Power-to-Liquid facility ...
European grid operators and developers prepare for battery storage at scale
30th June 2026
The company plans to introduce the standard for flexible battery storage connections across all of its German network operators by the end of 2026. Un...
Fragmented carbon capture value chain puts EU storage target at risk
30th June 2026
The EU is on course to fall at least 17.5mn t/y short of its 2030 carbon storage target, according to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie. It says the d...
Technical guidance publications
HM 86. Guidelines for measurement of crude oil loaded at offshore installations
May 2026
The loading of crude oil cargoes on ships offshore (i.e. not alongside a berth) has been a relatively common activity for some years, particularly for...
Oil Water Liaison group - Information page
April 2026
Oil and Water Liaison GroupThe Oil & Water Liaison Group is an unincorporated body and working group of the Energy Institute which acts as a forum for...
EI 3631
Safe electrical work practices for large-scale lithium-ion battery storage
March 2026
This publication has been developed by the EI in response to the growing demand for structured guidance on the safe installation, operation and mainte...
EI 3619
Report on the storage, carriage, inspection and analysis of used cooking oil
February 2026
This report highlights the key considerations and concerns when inspecting (measurement and sampling), analysing, storing and transporting used cookin...
HM 16. The calibration of reference meters on selected hydrocarbon products
February 2026
There are various sections in the Hydrocarbon Management (HM) series of publications that deal with the use of reference meters for the calibration of...