Media finance new observations on energy storage

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 drives energy storage investment?

Much of the growth in energy storage investment is being driven by mandates and targeted subsidies, ranging from solar and wind co-location mandates in China, to the Inflation Reduction Act and state-level policies in the US. New support schemes are also emerging across Europe, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Latin America.

What technology risks do energy storage systems face?

Technology risks: While lithium-ion batteries remain the most widespread technology used in energy storage systems, these systems also use hydrogen, compressed air, and other battery technologies. The storage industry is also exploring new technologies capable of providing longer-duration storage to meet different market needs.

When is long-term energy storage important?

“This is when long - term energy storage becomes crucial.” Long duration energy storage (LDES) generally refers to any form of technology that can store energy for multiple hours, days, even weeks or months, and then provide that energy when and if needed.

Should energy storage projects have multiple construction contracts?

Construction risks: It is common practice to see multiple equipment supply, construction, and installation contracts rather than one turnkey engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for energy storage projects.

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.