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.

View our Energy Essentials Guide to learn more about hydrogen.

What's new?

Battery storage investments will switch off Shetland’s power station and scatter hundreds of community-scale batteries across the UK

13th August 2025

The Shetland BESS is to be delivered to UK grid-scale battery storage operator Zenobē. It will enable the diesel-fired Lerwick power station to ‘move ...

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Australia’s biggest battery ready to prevent NSW power outages

13th August 2025

At 850 MW/1,680 MWh, the Waratah battery will be the world’s most powerful in terms of power and energy storage capacity. It is located at the site o...

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Dutch wind project receives electrolyser to produce green hydrogen offshore

13th August 2025

The BLPH is designed to store surplus offshore wind energy from the Hollandse Kust Noord (HKN) wind farm operated by CrossWind, a joint venture betwee...

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China’s renewable energy expansion continues apace as overseas facilities bypass trade restrictions

13th August 2025

Xiaoyang Li, Director, China Power and Renewables Research at Wood Mackenzie comments: ‘Despite facing over 20 markets with trade barriers and extreme...

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Global FLNG capacity will triple by decade-end, while LNG supply is set to surge in 2026, say new reports

6th August 2025

Rystad estimates global FLNG capacity will reach 42mn t/y by 2030, climbing to 55mn t/y by 2035, almost four times the 14.1mn t/y recorded in 2024. Te...

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Events and training

North Sea: Whats Next?

11th September 2025

North Sea: What’s Next? Sponsored by Viaro Energy and Boskalis The Energy Institute Young Professionals Network (EIYPN) is proud to present a LE...

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CCUS 2025: Real Projects, Real Impact, Delivering Net Zero

14th October 2025 - 15th October 2025

Organised by The Carbon Capture and Storage Association, this is THE global conference on CCUS which delves into the key topics related to commercial ...

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Aviation Jet Fuel - October 2025

28th October 2025 - 30th October 2025

This comprehensive 3-day Aviation Jet Fuel Training course offers delegates an in-depth understanding of jet fuel and its role in aviation.

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Hazardous Area Classification - November 2025

4th November 2025 - 6th November 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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Reservoir Microbiology Forum (RMF)

19th November 2025 - 20th November 2025

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

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Technical guidance publications

EI 1597 Aircraft misfuelling prevention

July 2025

This publication provides recommendations to ensure that the correct aviation fuel (product and grade) is always delivered to an aircraft. Delivering ...

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HM 100. Procedures for the inspection and quantification of LNG cargoes

June 2025

This document provides cargo measurement procedures for liquified natural gas (LNG) for use primarily by cargo inspectors and those instructing nomina...

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EI 3589

Good plant design for CO2 stream impurity measurement

May 2025

As carbon capture and storage (CCS) moves from concept to large-scale deployment, ensuring the safe, efficient, and commercially viable operation of C...

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EI 3581

Guidance on co-location of battery energy storage system (BESS) with power generation plant

February 2025

This publication is free of charge.  Register/log in to download. Power generation systems are decarbonising and so the need for electrical energy sto...

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Petrol Enforcement Liaison Group (PELG) - PETELs

February 2025

Petroleum Enforcement Liaison Group (PELG) PETELs are free to download for all users. Please note that some PETELs have been removed pending an update...

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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