What barriers are preventing the deployment of energy storage technologies?

Though there are a number of regulatory and market barriers preventing the increased deployment of energy storage technologies, the primary barrier to deployment is high capital costs.

What is a barrier in energy storage?

The term barrier, as used in this report, is broadly defined as an issue that hinders deployment of energy storage technologies. In some instances, a barrier may prevent deployment; and in others, it may limit deployment, limit revenue or limit consideration for deployment.

What are the different types of energy storage barriers?

The barriers are broadly categorized into regulatory barriers, market (economic) barriers, utility and developer business model barriers, cross-cutting barriers that cross the different categories, and technology barriers specific to energy storage technical performance and capabilities.

What are the challenges facing the utility-scale energy storage industry?

A number of challenges remain for the growing utility-scale ESS industry, especially in developing markets. As is the case with the entire energy storage industry, the high upfront cost for systems remain the most significant barrier to growth. However there are additional issues that are specific to the utility-scale segment.

How do we address regulatory barriers in energy storage?

Initiatives addressing regulatory barriers: those identifying the need for an appropriate functional classification mechanism of energy storage to ensure that the classification allows resources to provide multiple benefits to the system.

What are the barriers to BTM energy storage?

As shown in the chart, system costs have come down dramatically in the past two years, these markets were nearly non-existent in most regions in early 2014. Other major barriers to BTM energy storage around the world have been the issuance of restrictive regulations and resistance from existing utilities.