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.

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

What's new?

Australia looks to the future with rising battery, solar and wind investments

06/11/2024

 Renewables infrastructure predictions  First, Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) is set to undergo a major transformation, with ...

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Energy industry ‘disappointed’ by increase in windfall tax, but reaction to other parts of UK Autumn Budget more positive

06/11/2024

In response, David Whitehouse, CEO of trade association Offshore Energies UK, said: ‘With an increase in tax despite commodity prices at recent lows, ...

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Installed global CCS capacity on track to double once projects being constructed begin operations

30/10/2024

Findings from the Global Status of CCS 2024 report show strong growth in CCS projects across all stages of development. There are a total of 628 proje...

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British nations to sketch out spatial energy plan

30/10/2024

  Great Britain’s first Strategic Spatial Energy PlanThe UK, Scottish and Welsh governments have commissioned the newly-formed National Ener...

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UK government promotes investment in long-duration energy storage

23/10/2024

The announcement followed a consultation held earlier this year which proposed a cap and floor scheme to encourage LDES investment. Such a model provi...

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Events and training

Reservoir Microbiology Forum (RMF)

13/11/2024 - 14/11/2024

The RMF is an excellent multi-disciplinary platform that brings together oil producers, scientists, technologists, engineers, academics, and researche...

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Aviation Jet Fuel - Nov 2024

26/11/2024 - 28/11/2024

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 - December 2024

03/12/2024 - 05/12/2024

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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Hazardous Area Classification - April 2025

08/04/2025 - 10/04/2025

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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Hazardous Area Classification - November 2025

04/11/2025 - 06/11/2025

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

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Technical guidance publications

PELG Petrol filling stations - Guidance on managing the risks of fire and explosion (The Red Guide)

002024

Petrol filling stations: Guidance on managing the risks of fire and explosion (the Red Guide) has been jointly developed by industry, regulators ...

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Hazard analysis for onshore and offshore carbon capture installations and pipelines

002024

This publication is an update to the Technical guidance on hazard analysis for onshore carbon capture installations and onshore pipelines and EI Resea...

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IP 467: Determination of the high temperature stability of middle distillate fuel

002024

This standard specifies a procedure for the assessment of the relative stability of middle distillate fuels under high temperature ageing conditions w...

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Research report: Understanding stakeholder needs and integration challenges across the hydrogen value-chain

002024

This report covers the range of stakeholders involved in the entire low-carbon hydrogen value chain, their relationships, needs, integration issues, a...

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Research report: Global activities in hydrogen development

002024

This report covers various developmental activities across the hydrogen value chain, encompassing production, transportation/distribution, storage, an...

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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