Developing energy storage to cope with energy sanctions

Can the energy storage sector be supercharged?

Policymakers in the United States and Europe continue to put forth measures meant to supercharge the energy storage sector toward a promising future. Even with near-term headwinds, cumulative global energy storage installations are projected to be well in excess of 1 terawatt hour (TWh) by 2030.

What types of energy storage policies have been adopted?

Around 15 states have adopted some form of energy storage policy, including procurement targets, regulatory adaptation, demonstration programs, financial incentives, and/or consumer protections. Several states have also required that utility resource plans include energy storage.

Should energy storage systems be deployed alongside renewables?

Energy storage systems must be deployed alongside renewables. Credit: r.classen via Shutterstock. At the annual Conference of Parties (COP) last year, a historic decision called for all member states to contribute to tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.

Are there legal issues relating to energy storage?

As set out above, there are a wide variety of energy storage technologies and applications available. As a result, there are a number of legal issues to consider when it comes to energy storage projects. The relative importance of such issues will be informed by the specific project design and revenue stream requirements, such as double circuit connection.

Why is energy storage important?

Continued expansion of intermittent renewable energy, ESG-focused investments, the growing versatility of storage technologies to provide grid and customer services, and declining costs for key components like lithium-ion batteries all played a significant role in driving the investment and development of energy storage.

What challenges do energy storage resources face?

Energy storage resources present a distinct set of challenges given their unique nature: unlike conventional or renewable generation, energy storage resources must be charged with electric power, which will sometimes (but not always) be provided by the offtaker.