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
EU’s first full-scale CO2 storage site opens in Danish North Sea
29th September 2026
Denmark’s King Frederik X officially opened the Greensand facility at the Port of Esbjerg on 18 September, marking the start of commercial operations ...
North Sea energy transition exposed as drilling reductions are not compensated by development elsewhere
29th September 2026
That figure is down from three in 2024 and sits alongside three appraisal wells drilled, according to the government regulator North Sea Transition Ag...
Rising global energy demand puts toughest climate targets further out of reach
29th September 2026
The report finds energy demand in emerging and developing economies (EMDEs) could rise by more than 60% by 2060, adding the equivalent of another Chin...
UK clean power target requires £511bn investment by 2040
22nd September 2026
The UK analysis estimates that around £137bn of the required investment will come through project finance debt, with commercial banks currently supply...
Onshore wind (excluding system costs) wins in international electricity generation cost comparison
22nd September 2026
The report, which provides comparable plant-level generation cost data for 23 technologies submitted by 21 countries, found that utility-scale onshore...
Technical guidance publications
EI 3314
Guidance on passive fire protection for process and storage plant and equipment
October 2026
This technical publication provides guidance on the use of passive fire protection (PFP) materials and their application across the life cycle of proc...
EI 3633
Soil and groundwater risks at battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle energy retail sites
September 2026
EI 3633 Soil and groundwater risks at battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle energy retail sites examines the potential risks to soil and gro...
EI Standard 1541 Requirements for internal protective coating systems used in aviation fuel handling systems
September 2026
EI 1541 provides performance requirements for protective coating systems that may be used in aviation fuel handling systems (e.g. storage tanks, rail ...
EI 3653
Technical workshop proceedings – CCUS health and safety research alignment workshop
September 2026
The Energy Institute (EI) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been working on the health and safety concerns relating to the deployment of ...
EI 3649
Managing the risks associated with unauthorised third-party drone activity near hazardous sites
August 2026
Within the UK, there has been an increase in unauthorised third-party drone activity in the immediate vicinity of industrial sites, including those re...