Energy Storage Technologies and Grid Applications

Energy storage can provide many benefits to the power sector. Batteries and other technologies can store solar energy during the day for use after sundown, or take on more complicated roles improving grid reliability and efficiency. Applications for storage can be found across the electric grid, from electricity generation through transmission and down to the household level. However, various barriers limit widespread storage deployment. Here we describe common energy storage technologies and applications, as well as challenges limiting widespread grid integration.