Energy networks and storage

Join the EI» Manage your membership»
Join the EI» Manage your membership»

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.

Learn about recent public funding for research and development of energy storage on our policy milestone calendar.

What's new?

New Indonesian President signs off $7bn gas project while reaffirming 2050 net zero target

4/12/2024

The $7bn Tangguh Ubadari CCUS Compression (UCC) project will comprise development of the Ubadari gas field, enhanced gas recovery through CCUS and ons...

Read more »

Second Scotland-England subsea interconnector is approved

27/11/2024

The EGL1 project involves the installation of a 196 km high-voltage, bi-directional subsea cable between Torness in East Lothian, Scotland, and Hawtho...

Read more »

Big Oil bets on biofuels as part of energy transition

27/11/2024

Major players such as BP, Chevron, Shell, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and Eni, finding themselves under increasing regulatory and market pressures to re...

Read more »

‘World first’ green hydrogen transport and storage demo to use existing terminal infrastructure

20/11/2024

LOHCs are organic compounds that can absorb and release hydrogen through chemical reactions and can therefore be used as a means of storing and transp...

Read more »

Shell wins appeal against court order to cut GHG emissions

20/11/2024

The 2021 mandate had required Shell to cut its net carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 45% this decade, compared to 2019 levels. This include...

Read more »

Events and training

Hazardous Area Classification - April 2025

8/4/2025 - 10/4/2025

This 3-day training course will provide delegates with training on the Energy Institute Model Safe Code of Practice 15, Area Classification for Instal...

Read more »

Hazardous Area Classification - November 2025

4/11/2025 - 6/11/2025

This 3-day training course will provide delegates with training on the Energy Institute Model Safe Code of Practice 15, Area Classification for Instal...

Read more »

Technical guidance publications

No publications found.

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