Energy storage delays grid investment

What is the grid delay case?

For this report, we developed the Grid Delay Case to explore the impacts of more limited investment, modernisation, digitalisation and operational changes than are envisioned in the IEA’s climate-focused scenarios. The Grid Delay Case shows transitions stalling, with slower uptake of renewables and higher fossil fuel use.

Why do we need grid investment?

The public needs to be aware and informed about the link between grids and successful energy transitions. To meet national climate targets, grid investment needs to nearly double by 2030 to over USD 600 billion per year after over a decade of stagnation at the global level, with emphasis on digitalising and modernising distribution grids.

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.

Why do we need a smarter grid?

Grids have been delivering power to households, businesses and industry for over 100 years. Clean energy transitions are now driving the transformation of our energy systems and expanding the role of electricity across economies. As a result, countries’ transitions to net zero emissions need to be underpinned by bigger, stronger and smarter grids.