Work

Is renewable energy storage sustainable? A review

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Transformation of energy supply systems into green intensifies the use of renewable energy sources. Renewables cannot continuously supply energy. Therefore, energy storage systems are very important in the whole system of generation and distribution. Anyway, energy storage systems have many issues in terms of sustainability. This paper classified energy storage and analyzed issues in their sustainability solutions. In addition, it determines the key performance indicators that define the sustainability of energy storage systems. This analysis determined many sustainability problems presented by the information for each key performance indicator. The least negative impact is shown for the performance of mechanical energy storage and sensible/latent heat storage. The production of green hydrogen, green ammonia and biogas showed some negative impact. The worst sustainability is related to energy storage technologies or electrochemical energy storage technologies. • Classification of energy storage is updated on the basis of literature resources. • Selected common key performance indicators for energy storage systems. • Key performance indicators detected the main issues in the sustainability of energy storage. • Sustainability issues are presented by storage technology and energy form.

Source: Green Technologies and Sustainability

DOI: 10.1016/j.grets.2025.100176

Author: Aleksandar Anastasovski

Institution: International Balkan University

Language: English

Topic: Power Systems and Renewable Energy

Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $400