History, Evolution, and Future Status of Energy Storage

TLDR

Energy storage has driven the portable electronics boom and is now central to electrifying transportation and the utility grid, with lithium and Ni‑MeH batteries being under 40 years old and poised to dominate future energy systems. This review examines energy storage from gigawatt‑scale pumped hydro to watt‑hour batteries and predicts future directions. The authors survey existing storage technologies across scales, assess their performance, and analyze trends to forecast future developments. Energy storage integrated with smart grids is projected to advance dramatically over the next 25 years.

Abstract

Advanced energy storage has been a key enabling technology for the portable electronics explosion. The lithium and Ni-MeH battery technologies are less than 40 years old and have taken over the electronics industry and are on the same track for the transportation industry and the utility grid. In this review, energy storage from the gigawatt pumped hydro systems to the smallest watt-hour battery are discussed, and the future directions predicted. If renewable energy, or even lower cost energy, is to become prevalent energy storage is a critical component in reducing peak power demands and the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. An electric economy will demand more electrification of the transportation sector and it is likely that all vehicles sold by the end of this decade will have some level of hybridization. Energy storage capabilities in conjunction with the smart grid are expected to see a massive leap forward over the next 25 years.