Analysis of future selling points of energy storage products

What is the future of energy storage?

The future of energy storage is essential for decarbonizing our energy infrastructure and combating climate change. It enables electricity systems to remain in balance despite variations in wind and solar availability, allowing for cost-effective deep decarbonization while maintaining reliability.

How do I evaluate potential revenue streams from energy storage assets?

Evaluating potential revenue streams from flexible assets, such as energy storage systems, is not simple. Investors need to consider the various value pools available to a storage asset, including wholesale, grid services, and capacity markets, as well as the inherent volatility of the prices of each (see sidebar, “Glossary”).

Do investors underestimate the value of energy storage?

While energy storage is already being deployed to support grids across major power markets, new McKinsey analysis suggests investors often underestimate the value of energy storage in their business cases.

What makes a country's energy storage potential unique?

Each country’s energy storage potential is based on the combination of energy resources, historical physical infrastructure and electricity market structure, regulatory framework, population demographics, energy-demand patterns and trends, and general grid architecture and condition.

How can software improve the value proposition of energy storage?

Software is key to improving the value proposition of energy storage, particularly in emerging markets, by determining the ideal system size and analyzing the optimal services a system should provide. This project provided a model that should be, and already is, being replicated around the world.

Can emerging markets benefit from energy storage?

In emerging markets around the world, there is only limited experience with energy storage, yet vast potentials exist to benefit from the technology. Many of these markets share similar energy market dynamics and needs for new resources.