New energy storage technology scales up

What is the future of energy storage?

Storage enables electricity systems to remain in balance despite variations in wind and solar availability, allowing for cost-effective deep decarbonization while maintaining reliability. The Future of Energy Storage report is an essential analysis of this key component in decarbonizing our energy infrastructure and combating climate change.

What are the different types of energy storage technologies?

Other storage technologies include compressed air and gravity storage, but they play a comparatively small role in current power systems. Additionally, hydrogen – which is detailed separately – is an emerging technology that has potential for the seasonal storage of renewable energy.

What is energy storage & how does it work?

As installations of wind turbines and solar panels increase — especially in China — energy storage is certain to grow rapidly. They are part of the arsenal of clean energy technologies that will enable a net zero emissions future. Without them, the world will never be able to move away from fossil fuels entirely. How does it work?

Why do energy storage devices need to be able to store electricity?

And because there can be hours and even days with no wind, for example, some energy storage devices must be able to store a large amount of electricity for a long time.

Why do we need a co-optimized energy storage system?

The need to co-optimize storage with other elements of the electricity system, coupled with uncertain climate change impacts on demand and supply, necessitate advances in analytical tools to reliably and efficiently plan, operate, and regulate power systems of the future.

Which storage technology is most scalable?

Batteries are the most scalable type of grid-scale storage and the market has seen strong growth in recent years. Other storage technologies include compressed air and gravity storage, but they play a comparatively small role in current power systems.