In 2017, energy storage saw a surge in both domestic and international development. It was an unusually busy year for the sector, marked by rapid advancements across various technologies. Among all types of energy storage systems, electrochemical storage stood out as the fastest-growing segment. Innovations in lithium-ion batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, lead-acid batteries, and flow batteries accelerated significantly during this period.
According to incomplete data from the CNESA (Zhongguancun Energy Storage Industry Technology Alliance), global electrochemical energy storage had accumulated 2.6 GW of operating capacity and 4.1 GWh of energy storage capacity between 2000 and 2017. The annual growth rates were 30% and 52%, respectively. In 2017 alone, 0.6 GW of new capacity and 1.4 GWh of energy storage were installed, with over 130 projects launched throughout the year.
Since 2016, electrochemical energy storage has entered a phase of widespread application, with more large-scale projects being developed globally. According to CNESA, the total planned and under-construction capacity between 2016 and 2017 reached 4.7 GW, with many more projects expected to come online in the following years. To meet the growing demand for large-scale energy storage, the scale of these projects has also increased. Over 40 projects exceeding 10 MW in size were reported in that timeframe.
The global participation in energy storage applications expanded significantly. By 2015, electrochemical systems were deployed in 10 countries, including the U.S., China, and Germany. By 2017, nearly 30 countries across North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and Asia had operational energy storage projects, highlighting the growing global interest in this field.
China’s progress in electrochemical energy storage was particularly impressive. From 2000 to 2017, the country's cumulative operating capacity reached nearly 360 MW, accounting for 14% of the global total. With an annual growth rate of nearly 40%, China's growth outpaced the global average. Between 2016 and 2017, China accounted for 34% of the global planning and construction scale, with nearly 1.6 GW of projects in development. This strong momentum positions China as a leading force in the global energy storage industry.
2017 was also a year of frequent policy support for energy storage. The U.S. extended its energy storage initiatives beyond California to include states like Massachusetts, Oregon, and Hawaii. Other nations, such as the UK, Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy, Australia, India, and China, also introduced or updated their energy storage policies in 2017. These policies provided strong vertical and horizontal support, driving the rapid expansion of energy storage worldwide.
In October 2017, China released its first national-level large-scale energy storage technology and application development policy, "Guidelines on Promoting Energy Storage Technology and Industrial Development." The guidelines emphasized R&D and demonstration of energy storage technologies, promoting renewable energy integration, enhancing grid flexibility, and encouraging intelligent and diverse applications of energy storage. Cities like Dalian, Yichun, Beijing, and Ningbo have since introduced local policies, and more regions are expected to follow suit, focusing on market access mechanisms and price compensation models.
In the U.S., after California cleared its 1.325 GW power purchase plan, Oregon, Massachusetts, and New York State announced their own energy storage procurement targets. New Mexico incorporated energy storage into utility planning, while Maryland promoted integrated renewable and energy storage projects. The UK and Australia also advanced their energy storage strategies, with the UK integrating it into its "British Intelligent Flexible Energy System" and Australia offering subsidies for user-side storage systems.
Despite the policy-driven growth, energy storage still faces challenges in achieving profitability and commercialization. While the industry is seen as a promising "blue ocean," the transition from demonstration to market application brings new complexities. As policy support gradually declines, energy storage will need to compete in real markets, proving its value through technical performance, system design, and business models.
In the UK, battery storage systems totaling 2.1 GW and 4.8 GW participated in T-1 and T-4 capacity auctions, but the short duration of energy storage limited its effectiveness. The British BEIS adjusted derating factors for half-hour battery storage, setting new standards for flexible systems. This change pushed operators to explore long-term solutions.
In the U.S., the PJM market revised its rules to allow fair competition between energy storage and other resources, marking a shift toward market-based operations. Similarly, Germany faced challenges with standardization, as household and commercial energy storage systems lacked standardized interfaces, safety protocols, and business models.
Looking ahead, energy storage will continue to evolve through market testing and technological refinement. As hardware, software, and system integration improve, energy storage will gain better market applicability. The industry must adapt to dynamic market conditions, refine its positioning, and develop robust standards to ensure long-term viability. Though challenges remain, the path forward lies in continuous innovation, trial, and adjustment within the market.
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