Energy storage is among a number of key technologies which can bring much-needed flexibility to electricity networks and therefore to energy markets. With Europe at an unprecedented crossroads in its energy system planning, now is the time to factor in that critical flexibility, argue Julian Jansen and Lars Stephan of Fluence.

There has been an uptick in energy storage investment in Southeast Asia, a region still largely powered by coal and experiencing high growth in population and energy demand. Andy Colthorpe speaks with companies working to establish a framework of opportunities in the region.

Batteries from electric vehicles can find a ‘second life’ in energy storage systems, making more use of these valuable devices, and offering a potentially low-cost way to sidestep supply chain bottlenecks. Cameron Murray meets some of the companies harnessing used automotive batteries to play a part in the energy transition even without wheels.

Electric vehicles are batteries on wheels, and often with quite large batteries too. Bidirectional charging means vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-building are technologically feasible, but barriers to adoption include manufacturer warranties and customer acquisition. Cameron Murray meets three companies taking a practical approach to scaling their V2X propositions.

With the great demand for lithium batteries comes great responsibility to install and use them safely. Although much of that responsibility lies with manufacturers, Dr Kai-Philipp Kairies of ACCURE Battery Intelligence discusses how a combination of data gathered from the field and analytics embedded in software can make batteries safer to operate while maximising value.

The mismatch between supply and demand for lithium batteries presents a challenge to the global transition to sustainable energy and the role energy storage will play in it. Andy Colthorpe hears how the dynamics are playing out, and how the challenge can be overcome.

Germany’s early lead among Europe’s battery storage adopters is now long gone. But with the urgency to deploy renewable energy compounded by the need for greater energy independence, some industry players and experts see change coming on the horizon, Cameron Murray writes.

The rising demand for lithium-ion batteries far outstrips the available supply, even as investments into materials extraction and manufacturing ramp up like never before. But what does the situation really look like and when will it ease up? Andy Colthorpe investigates.

Solar and energy storage were described by Elon Musk as going together “like peanut butter and jelly”. Andy Colthorpe meets some of the players creating this winning combination in the US.

With a handful of leading regions deploying grid-scale storage at a faster rate than ever, what sort of impact are these additions having so far on the problems they are intended to solve? Cameron Murray investigates.