Why Energy Storage Extends Past Batteries
Public debate often associates energy storage with lithium-ion batteries, and understandably so, as these batteries have driven swift progress in grid flexibility, electric vehicles, and decentralized energy systems. However, achieving a full energy transition demands a diversified suite of storage technologies. Distinct storage methods offer different durations, capacities, costs, environmental impacts, and grid-support functions. Viewing storage as a one-technology issue can lead to technical mismatches, economic drawbacks, and lost chances to strengthen resilience. What “storage” must deliver Energy storage serves more than one purpose. Systems are evaluated based on: Duration: spanning milliseconds to seconds for frequency regulation, minutes to hours…
