Long duration energy storage: what can be deployed and where?

In our work for Mission Innovation, we investigated the current landscape and future potential of long duration energy storage (LDES) technologies across various countries. We explored the potential for LDES across 11 Mission Innovation member countries for 16 LDES technologies, looking at the geographical, market and policy conditions needed to support deployment.

While many factors influence whether LDES can be deployed in a country, our analysis focussed on two main areas:

1. Geographical suitability – can the technology be built in that country?
2. Market and policy enablers – can the technology be financially viable?

Key insights and recommendations

• Australia, Italy and the UK are high potential countries as they have cap and floor schemes specifically targeting LDES.
• China and Germany are moderate potential countries as they have funding for LDES technologies but currently lack specific market mechanisms.
• Conventional pumped hydro storage and redox flow batteries already have high levels of deployment and suitable markets present in several countries.
• Gravity-based storage, below ground compressed air energy storage, below ground hydrogen (in salt caverns, aquifers or gas fields) and ammonia are emerging technologies that are currently in the planning or demonstrator stage in several countries.
• Below water compressed air energy storage, metal air batteries and hydro-pneumatic storage are technologies that require further research.
• Countries with specific targets for LDES, or broader targets for energy storage, provide more certainty for investors and encourage deployment of LDES technologies to meet targets.
• Public funding, such as funds, grants and R&D support, is crucial for reducing risk and promoting investment in LDES technologies, particularly those with lower technology readiness levels.
• International funding has supported collaboration efforts to develop and commercially scale LDES technologies.

Dr Rosie Madge, Systems Engineer (Networks & Energy Storage) at Energy Systems Catapult, said:

“LDES technologies are gaining traction globally, with some countries already implementing targeted market mechanisms and others showing strong potential for future deployment. Our analysis highlights that suitable markets and supportive policy frameworks are key to unlocking opportunities for LDES.”