What is the future of battery storage?

Batteries account for 90% of the increase in storage in the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) Scenario, rising 14-fold to 1 200 GW by 2030. This includes both utility-scale and behind-the-meter battery storage. Other storage technologies include pumped hydro, compressed air, flywheels and thermal storage.

Why is battery storage important?

Battery storage can help with frequency stability and control for short-term needs, and they can help with energy management or reserves for long-term needs. Storage can be employed in addition to primary generation since it allows for the production of energy during off-peak hours, which can then be stored as reserve power.

How much battery storage do we need to meet climate targets?

According to the International Energy Agency, we need to increase global battery storage capacity six-fold by 2030 to meet our climate targets. That’s approximately 1,500 GW of energy storage, with batteries expected to provide about 1,200 GW of that total. Looking further into the future, the picture gets even more ambitious.

Why do we need batteries?

Batteries are expected to contribute 90% of this capacity. They also help optimize energy pricing, match supply with demand and prevent power outages, among many other critical energy system tasks. Put simply, batteries are the beating heart of the energy transition – so what are the opportunities and challenges of this pivotal market?

How have batteries changed the energy storage industry?

Batteries continue to lead the charge in energy storage growth, with some fascinating developments shaping their evolution: Battery prices have taken a remarkable journey, dropping by a whopping 97% since 1991. That’s like seeing a $30,000 car from the ’90s now costing just $900!

How can battery storage help balancing supply changes?

The ever-increasing demand for electricity can be met while balancing supply changes with the use of robust energy storage devices. Battery storage can help with frequency stability and control for short-term needs, and they can help with energy management or reserves for long-term needs.