Summarize with AI
The latest innovations in electricity storage
Mis à jour le
March 6, 2026
8
Min reading
Electricity storage is one of the challenges of the energy transition. Replacing fossil fuels involves the electrification of uses. But in order to reach carbon neutrality in 2050, the electricity still has to be of carbon-free origin...
All hopes are turning to renewable energies. However, they have a weak point. Depending on natural conditions, their production is Intermittent.
In its report published in June 2023 on the future outlook for 2035, RTE points to the fact that the electrical system will inevitably be confronted with “periods of abundance and scarcity of production compared to consumption”.
The solution? Store electricity to smooth annual production, reconcile demand and supply, and maintain the balance of the electrical network. There is no shortage of technological innovations for energy storage. Overview.
What are the main technological sectors for electricity storage?
Electricity cannot be stored on a large scale in its own form because of its low energy density. To get around this limit, many solutions aim to store electrical energy in another form of energy.
Electrochemical storage technologies
Everyone uses stacks. But few know that they belong to the electrochemical storage family. With the development of uses, technology has improved in recent years to offer more efficient energy storage capacities.
Electrochemical batteries
Les electrochemical batteries are made up of a stack of several chemical elements. Their storage capacity and their power depend on the technologies used.
The most well known electrochemical battery today is the lithium ion battery. But there is a multitude of electrochemical batteries : lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, lithium polymer, sodium-sulfur, etc.
Composed of two electrodes, separated by an electrolyte, they all work on the Principle of oxidation-reduction. The released electrons travel from the anode to the cathode—and vice versa—to charge and discharge the battery.
The batteries used for the storage of renewable energies are said to be fixed or stationary. Les embedded batteries accompany our daily lives today, especially in electric vehicles, smartphones or laptops.
Mature technology, the electrochemical battery has a limited lifespan. The extraction and recycling of lithium also raise environmental and social issues.
The fuel cell
La fuel cell (PAC) Converts fuel into energy, using the same redox principle.
La Battery hydrogen is the most promising fuel cell today. It makes it possible to retransform electricity stored in the form of hydrogen into electricity. To succeed in this chemical feat, hydrogen is oxidized by the anode.
The electrolyte directs the released electrons to an external circuit, thus generating an electrical current. The electrons are then recombined with oxygen at the cathode. They go back in the opposite direction to repeat the operation several times.
Redox flow batteries
Great hopes surround the circulation batteries, or batteries at redox flow. They store electricity in the form of chemical energy and then turn it back into electricity.
Circulation batteries also use the principle of redox. They are distinguished from electrochemical batteries by their two electrolytes in liquid form.
Simpler to recycle and with a longer lifespan than lithium-ion batteries, redox flow batteries could come to compete with them. Their marketing is now hampered by their harmful to the environment. The reason is the vanadium they are made of.
The CEA is continuing research to replace it with biobased organic molecules.
Mechanical storage technologies
Mechanical storage technologies consist in storing natural elements that can be rapidly transformed into green energy to respond to peak consumption.
Water reservoirs
Hydroelectricity plays a major role in the regulation of electricity production in France. Lake power plants and sluices store water in large quantities in reserves upstream of the dams.
In the event of an increase in electrical demand, a valve system immediately release the water to drive the turbines. The generator transforms this mechanical energy in green electricity, which can be directly injected into the network.
Pump stations (STEP)
Pumped energy transfer stations (STEP) consist of two basins dug at different heights.
When demand is low, excess electricity is used to pump and transfer water from the lower basin to the upper basin. In the event of a peak in consumption, the valves are opened from the upper basin to the lower basin to create an artificial waterfall and produce electricity using water pressure.
The STEP represent 99% of electricity storage capacity in the world. To date, the Hongrin-Léman STEP remains the largest site in the world with 100 GWh of storage capacity. It should be superseded in 2026 by the Snowy 2.0 STEP in Australia, with an announced capacity of 350 GWh.
Compressed air electricity storage
With the WWTP, compressed air electricity storage is one of the oldest and best controlled storage systems.
The compressed air storage works on the same principle as STEP. Compressed into underground cavities, the air is released at the time of peak consumption. Air pressure drives turbines that generate electricity.
With a small footprint, compressed air storage units have fairly modest powers. But the future CAES (Compressed Air Energy Storage) project launched in California could change the situation in 2028, with its storage capacity of 4 GWh and its capacity of 500 MW.
Inertial electricity storage
Inertial storage consists in storing electricity in the form of kinetic energy.
Electricity is used to turn a flywheel. Once launched at more than 8,000 rpm, the mass continues to rotate around a cylindrical axis. Kinetic energy can be transformed into electricity via a motor, without losing energy.
Solid and reliable, inertial storage is highly reactive and has a very long lifespan. But his very limited storage time limit it to rapid and punctual uses to optimize the electrical network.
Chemical storage using hydrogen
As the name suggests, chemical storage aims to store electricity in chemical form. Today, storage in the form of hydrogen is attracting everyone's attention. Electricity is used to make hydrogen and oxygen from water, via electrolysis.
Hydrogen can then be stored, transported and exploited in various forms. It can be transformed back into electricity via a fuel cell. It is the technique of Power-to-Power. It can also be used directly in the form of hydrogen by industry or heavy transport.
Another path is opening up today with the Power-to-Gas. Currently being tested, the methanation process combines hydrogen produced using electricity with CO2 captured to produce synthetic methane that can be directly injected into the gas network.
What are the latest innovations in electricity storage?
Every energy storage solution has limitations. WWTPs require space and heavy investments. Electrochemical batteries raise environmental issues. In addition, they are not able to meet growing storage needs.
Researchers are competing imaginatively with daring energy innovations whose performances have yet to be proven.
Gravity batteries
Anything that goes up must come down. It is this law discovered by Newton that inspires the innovation of gravity storage. Electricity is stored in the form of gravity energy.
Excess electricity is used to lift huge masses. When demand increases, the masses are relaxed. In their controlled fall, they drive an alternator that generates electricity.
The world's first concrete storage battery is under construction in China. Its announced capacity of 25 MW per 100 MWh should make it possible to supply 3,600 homes for one day. This gravity system is criticized by scientists who denounce the risks and The carbon impact concrete.
Researchers are working on another technique: Underground Gravity Energy Storage (UGES). It consists of store sand in abandoned underground mines. When there is a deficit in electricity production, the sand released into the mine drives an electricity generator. Surpluses in production make it possible to raise the sand.
The storage of electricity in the form of heat
Sand is also exploited by Finns to store electricity in the form of heat. The company Polar Night Energy has built an experimental reservoir to contain a hundred tons of sand.
The electricity converted into heat is stored in the sand. Insulated, the volume retains heat for several months. It is reusable in the form of hot water, hot air or steam.
European projects amadeus and Nathalie also have great hopes for the storage of electricity at very high temperatures, in silicon metal alloys. Heat is converted into electrical current using static converters. While waiting for an industrial prototype, a laboratory prototype proved the effectiveness of the system.
The storage of electricity in the form of cold
Liquid air energy storage technologies (LAES) aim at the opposite: storing energy in the form of cold. Electricity is used to cool and liquefy the air, which is stored in large quantities in a small space. The air can then be heated to produce electricity. During decompression, it drives a turbine that generates an electric current.
A first commercial storage plant is under construction in England. It must be completed at the end of 2024. The stored energy should be able to power 600,000 homes for one hour.
Storing electricity is a real challenge. Addressing it is essential to succeed in the energy transition and support the development of renewable energies.
While many energy storage solutions already exist, they all have limitations. Researchers are working to overcome them for a sustainable, secure and carbon neutral energy future.
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? In partnership with Bump, SirEnergies is there to help you and support you in building an eco-responsible image for your business.
Click below for more information:
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The answers to your questions
What are the PP1 and PP2 alert days?
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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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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).
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
Pourquoi mon contrat est-il en kVA et ma consommation en kWh ?
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.
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.
The answers to your questions
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