Why do power plants need energy storage systems?

For one, they can make power grids more flexible. In times of low demand, excess electricity generated in power plants can be routed to energy storage systems. When demand rises—during a heat wave, for example—stored energy can be deployed to avoid straining the grid. Stored energy can also provide backup power.

Should energy storage be a solution?

Energy storage offers a solution. Capturing and storing excess renewable energy when it is plentiful and releasing it as needed could solve both problems. On sunny and windy days, renewable energy sources can supply energy storage systems, which can be deployed at night, on cloudy days, or when there’s less wind.

Why do we need energy storage?

Supports the integration of more wind and solar generation: Wind and solar are the cheapest sources of electricity. Energy storage supports the integration of higher and higher shares of renewables, enabling the expansion and incorporation of the most cost-effective sources of electricity generation.

Are energy storage strategies being adopted quickly?

The good news is that energy storage strategies are being adopted rapidly. The global energy storage market almost tripled in size in 2023, and analysts expect it to keep growing at an annual rate of 21 percent through 2030. Some experts worry, however, that even that robust progress is not enough.

Can energy storage be more efficient?

To get on track with global climate targets, the world will need to add 1,500 GW of energy storage capacity to its grids by 2030. Still, the pace of energy storage development is accelerating, and new innovations are emerging that can make the process cheaper, more flexible, and more efficient.

Are batteries a good energy storage option?

Batteries are one of the most flexible energy storage options. They can be employed quickly to respond to changing demand. And they can be scaled up or down to work in many different places: relatively small batteries can power individual homes, while arrays of massive batteries can supply entire grids.