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
Chile accelerates battery storage deployment to support renewable generation
15th June 2026
Chile's renewable energy sector is increasingly pairing large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) with new generation capacity as developers s...
COP31 presidency unveils 35% global electrification goal for 2035
15th June 2026
Organisers of this year’s Conference of the Parties (COP31) climate summit placed electrification at the centre of a new Action Agenda unveiled at the...
Thermal coal demand rises in Asia-Pacific because of Middle East conflict and LNG deficit
15th June 2026
Rystad Energy reports that a 35mn t LNG supply shortfall is forcing gas-dependent utilities to operate existing coal plants more. This practice is sup...
State commitments could lead to offshore wind farms occupying up to 11% of the North Sea by 2050, says study
15th June 2026
Such expansion would increase offshore wind coverage in the North Sea to about 58,500km² by 2050. But researchers from Heriot-Watt University, the Uni...
UK energy transition supports 1.1 million jobs and contributes £105bn
9th June 2026
The report, produced by CBI Economics and The Data City, found these activities account for 3.8% of UK gross value added (GVA). They have also become ...
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...