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Can electricity be stored?
Mis à jour le
March 6, 2026
5
Min reading
Global warming is in part the consequence of how we produce and consume energy. The effects of greenhouse gas emissions are far-reaching on the climate. To alleviate pollution, the production of green electricity is promoted by the State and local authorities.
However, one of the challenges to be met in order to make the energy transition effective is the management of the electricity produced. A prerequisite for 100% covering the energy needs of an entire country, electricity storage is it possible? SirEnergies gives you some answers here.
The principle of electricity storage
The storage of electricity and energy in general is a major challenge in order to achieve The carbon neutrality set as an objective by the French State, like other nations around the world. Electricity is a form of energy that is stored less well than fuel or gas. It is for this reason that, despite the high electrical production capacity of renewable sources, the latter cannot yet replace fossil sources.
Scientists are constantly exploring ways to balance electrical power generation in order toavoid electrical insufficiency or waste. Storage makes it possible to preserve excess electricity in case of overproduction in order to return it when production is less than demand. To maintain this surplus, electricity is converted into another form of energy that varies according to the technology used.
Electricity storage via WWTPs
Electricity storage is possible thanks to STEP (Pumped Energy Transfer Stations). This technology utilizes mechanical energy Potential of water. To store electricity via the WWTPs, two basins are arranged at different heights. When electrical demand is low, the electric motor pumps water from the lower basin to the upper basin.
On the other hand, when demand is high, water flows back down from the upper basin to the lower basin through a turbine. In fact, the mechanical energy of water is used to produce clean electricity. The STEP system is inexpensive for an attractive yield (€50 per kWh). Pumped storage is a technology that is used to restore up to 5 gigawatts, which is equivalent to the production of six nuclear reactors.
Compressed air energy storage
Compressed air energy storage (or CAES for Compressed Air) Energy Storage) is carried out using a technology similar to that of STEP. But here, it is the air that is kept in the containers. The installation of CAES allows store large quantities of electricity for several weeks.
On the other hand, this thermodynamic storage technology consumes a lot of energy, which limits its use. In some countries such as Germany and the United States, this storage method is still used to conserve electricity due to its large-scale performance.
Electricity storage with batteries
Individuals can make use of batteries and Of fuel cells to keep electricity in their homes. How? Through the installation of photovoltaic panels, for example. The electrical energy storage is possible with lithium-ion, sodium-sulfur, nickel-cadmium, and lead-acid batteries.
One of the weaknesses of batteries is that they only store energy for a short period of time. Also, they generally work in the short term.
Another danger also: the risk of fire, for example the Tesla Megapack that caught fire.
The good news is that research is continuing among the ranks of scientists to manufacture more efficient batteries. It is envisaged, for example, That organic batteries will be created soon.
Electricity storage via Power to gas
Power to gas (conversion of electricity into gas) ! This is an exceptional technique that makes it possible to avoid energy waste. It is an electrochemical storage method that allows convert excess electricity into synthetic gas (hydrogen or methane). Power to gas makes it possible to store electricity over the medium and long term.
Electricity generated by solar radiation or wind movement can be subject to this type of storage and transformation. The use of this technology is part of the logic of controlling the production of green electricity. Thanks to Power to Gas, the surplus of solar photovoltaic or thermal energy is used to heat the house or power an electric vehicle.
Source: European Power to Gas Platform
Converting electricity into gas to store energy — Source: Solagro
The storage of electricity through a flywheel
Electricity can be stored with a flywheel. No, a flywheel is not a state-of-the-art car accessory. It is simply a very heavy mass in the form of a wheel or cylinder. This equipment produces and stores electricity when it is rotated at an exponential speed by an electric motor.
The motor can rest when the wheel is started. The flywheel continues to rotate thanks to a magnetic rotation system. In fact, it produces energy that can be converted into electricity by a motor that returns kinetic energy. However, this technology allows a short term storage and still needs improvement.
Electricity storage using concrete blocks
Concrete blocks can be used to store electricity. This is what a Swiss startup, Energy Vault, proved. This technology consists in using a 6-branch crane to raise concrete blocks on a 120 m tower in case of overproduction of energy.
Later, to meet the demand for electricity, the concrete blocks went down again. In doing so, kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy. Given the energy storage capacity of this technology (35 MWh), governments will soon be interested in it.
As you will have understood, the conservation of electricity is possible, and this, through multiple storage modes. While some technologies are only accessible on a large scale, others can be used at home.
Do you have a project to install a renewable energy production and storage system in your company or local authority? Call on the energy broker and expert SirEnergies to benefit from tailor-made services.
Do not hesitate to consult our article that answers the question: What is the speed of electricity?
Did you know that?
Today, more than ever, electric mobility is one of the levers for achieving carbon neutrality. As such, businesses have a role to play in the energy transition.
You want to install charging stations and/or convert your company's vehicle fleet to electric? SirEnergies is there to help you and supports you in building an eco-responsible image for your business.
Click below for more information:
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The answers to your questions
Pourquoi mon contrat est-il en kVA et ma consommation en kWh ?
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Le kVA mesure la capacité maximale que votre compteur peut supporter à un instant T, tandis que le kWh mesure la quantité d'énergie consommée sur une durée.
How to optimize taxes and contributions?
Tertiary companies are concerned by taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies checks the accuracy of invoices, identifies possible exemptions, and helps correct errors to sustainably reduce costs.
How do I read an electricity or gas bill?
One invoice consists of several elements: consumption, supplier share, taxes and contributions. The analysis of each line makes it possible to identify possible errors and to check the consistency with the signed contract.
What is the difference between €/MWh and kWh?
The €/MWh is a price unit used in wholesale markets, while kWh is the unit visible on your bills.
What are the challenges for tertiary companies?
Tertiary companies must manage their energy costs while guaranteeing the comfort of users (offices, shops, services). Consumption is often linked to heating, air conditioning and lighting, which requires precise monitoring to avoid budgetary excesses.
Quel est l'impact réel de la rénovation de l'éclairage public ?
C'est le levier le plus rapide pour obtenir des résultats visibles. L'éclairage représente environ 40 % de la consommation d'électricité d'une commune.
Passer au LED avec pilotage intelligent permet de réduire la facture de 50 à 80 %, avec un retour sur investissement (ROI) rapide, souvent estimé à 2 ou 3 ans.
L'hydroélectricité est-elle une énergie "propre" ?
Oui, elle est considérée comme une énergie renouvelable à faibles émissions de gaz à effet de serre.
De plus, l'eau ne subit aucune transformation chimique durant le cycle de production et réintègre son milieu naturel en aval.
Cependant, la construction de barrages nécessite des mesures pour protéger les écosystèmes (débit minimum, passes à poissons).
Comment l'eau est-elle transformée en électricité ?
Le processus repose sur l'utilisation de la force de l'eau (énergie cinétique) issue des courants, des chutes d'eau ou des dénivelés. Le fonctionnement suit trois étapes clés :
- Le barrage retient l'eau et l'oriente vers des conduites.
- La pression de l'eau fait tourner une turbine, créant de l'énergie mécanique.
- Une génératrice (alternateur) transforme cette énergie mécanique en électricité, laquelle est ensuite adaptée par un transformateur pour le réseau
What taxes are particularly relevant to manufacturers?
The industry is concerned by TICFE, TICGN and other contributions that may represent an important part of invoices. Sirenergies identifies cases of exemption and accompanies the procedures to benefit from them.
Pourquoi le kVA est-il crucial pour les entreprises ?
Parce que la puissance souscrite en kVA détermine le prix de l'abonnement et que tout dépassement peut entraîner des surcoûts importants.
How do I get a tax exemption?
Some businesses may obtain a partial or total exemption from the TICFE or the TICGN, depending on their activity and energy intensity. The support of an expert makes it possible to identify the eligibility criteria and to put together the file.
Quel est l'impact de ces exportations sur le prix de l'électricité pour les entreprises ?
L'abondance de production française tire les prix du marché de gros vers le bas.
En vertu du mécanisme de l'Ordre de Mérite (Merit Order), les centrales les moins coûteuses (nucléaire, renouvelables) couvrent la demande plus souvent, évinçant les centrales à gaz ou charbon plus onéreuses.
Cela multiplie les épisodes de prix bas, voire négatifs, sur le marché spot.
What are the customer reviews on bellenergie Business's customer service?
In 2025, the supplier had a NPS (Net Promoter Score) of +16 and a note of 4,17/5.
Satisfaction is based on a “zero solicitation” model and 100% in-house customer service in Toulon, guaranteeing proximity and responsiveness that cannot be found with major historical suppliers.
What are the main taxes applicable?
Among the taxes include TICFE, TICGN, CTA, CJA and TURPE. They represent a significant part of the bill and vary according to consumption profiles. Understanding them well is essential to optimize costs.
Qu'est-ce que le cosinus phi
C'est l'indicateur d'efficacité d'un appareil électrique ; il représente le ratio entre la puissance active (utile) et la puissance apparente (totale).
What is energy sourcing?
Sourcing consists in identifying and analysing the offers of several electricity and gas suppliers. This approach makes it possible to obtain contracts adapted to the consumption profile and budgetary constraints of the company.
What is the point of following Spot & Forward prices?
This makes it possible to choose the right time to contract, secure your budgets and anticipate increases.
What are the consequences of overpowering?
Exceeding capacity leads to financial penalties and can impact the size of the contract. Adjust the correctly subscribed power makes it possible to avoid these additional costs.
Is Bellenergie Business electricity really green?
Yes. The supplier guarantees an offer 100% renewable via the official Guarantees of Origin (GO) mechanism.
For the most demanding companies, the offer GREENVOLT+ ensures very low carbon intensity electricity, sourced exclusively from independent French producers (hydraulic, wind, solar).
How to properly define your subscribed power?
The subscribed power must be calculated according to the consumption profile and uses (heating, industrial processes, tertiary equipment). One fine analysis makes it possible to ensure the adequacy between real need and contract.
Which taxes are particularly relevant for farms?
Farms are subject to taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies verifies their application, identifies cases of exemption and accompanies the procedures to reduce the tax burden.
Quel est le nouveau record 2025 d'exportation d'électricité de la France ?
En 2025, la France a atteint un solde exportateur net de 92,3 TWh, battant le précédent record de 2024 (89 TWh).
Quelle est la différence concrète entre le transport et la distribution d'électricité ?
Le transport (RTE) correspond aux "autoroutes" de l’électricité. Il s’agit de transporter de très grandes quantités d'énergie sur de longues distances, depuis les centrales de production (nucléaires, barrages, parcs éoliens offshore) vers les régions de consommation.
La distribution (Enedis) s'apparente aux "routes départementales" et aux rues. Elle récupère l'électricité à la sortie du réseau de transport pour la livrer directement chez le client final, en abaissant la tension pour qu'elle soit utilisable par vos appareils.
Pourquoi la France a-t-elle exporté un volume record d'électricité en 2025 ?
Ce record de 92,3 TWh s'explique par la conjonction de trois facteurs :
- Le redressement du parc nucléaire : Après les problèmes de corrosion sous contrainte de 2022, la production nucléaire a retrouvé une forte disponibilité (373 TWh).
- L'essor des renouvelables : Une capacité installée en hausse (solaire et éolien) et une production hydraulique solide.
- Une consommation intérieure atone : La demande française reste inférieure de 6 % à la moyenne historique, créant un surplus massif disponible pour nos voisins.
Why launch an energy tender?
Un appel d’offres permet de mettre en concurrence plusieurs fournisseurs d’électricité et de gaz afin d’obtenir des conditions contractuelles optimisées. C’est une démarche transparente qui permet de choisir l’offre la plus adaptée aux besoins budgétaires et techniques de l’organisation.
Qu'est-ce qui remplace l'ARENH depuis le 1er janvier 2026 ?
Le dispositif ARENH a laissé place au VNU (Versement Nucléaire Universel).
Ce changement structurel expose davantage les entreprises aux prix de gros, rendant la gestion des risques plus complexe qu'auparavant.
Il devient alors indispensable de définir une stratégie d'achat d'électricité avec Sirenergies pour lisser l'impact de la volatilité des marchés sur votre budget.
What are the PP1 and PP2 alert days?
These are signals sent by RTE during periods of tension on the electrical network. The Sirenergies tool informs you in real time to anticipate your uses.
What are the electricity offers offered by bellenergie Business?
The range E @sy is available in four pricing structures to adapt to each risk profile:
- E @sy Fixed: 100% budget visibility without variation.
- E @sy Click: Smoothed price thanks to staggered purchases on the markets.
- E @sy Block + Spot: A mix between a secure base and a portion indexed to daily prices.
- E @sy Sport: A 100% dynamic offer to take advantage of downside opportunities in real time.
How to optimize the taxes and contributions of a community?
Communities are subject to taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies analyzes invoices, identifies exemption possibilities and fixes possible errors to reduce the tax burden.
The answers to your questions
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