The Role of energy storage in climate change mitigation: Pathways toward sustainable energy systems
Keywords:
Battery Energy Storage, Climate Change Mitigation, Decarbonization, Hydrogen Storage, Renewable Energy Integration, Sustainable Energy SystemsAbstract
This study aimed to review existing literature and evaluate recent evidence related to technological innovation, environmental benefits, policy support and deployment challenges, with a focus on the role of energy storage in decarbonization. A qualitative systematic literature review design was used with secondary data collection approach from peer-reviewed journal articles and international energy reports. A total of 120 publications (from 2020-26) were screened, and 80 articles met the inclusion criteria and were used in the final sample for thematic analysis. The results revealed that 35.0% of the analysed studies were on lithium-ion battery storage, 22.5% of the studies were on pumped hydro storage, 17.5% of the studies were on hydrogen storage, 13.8% of the studies were on thermal energy storage, and 11.2% of the studies were on compressed air energy storage. In addition, 31.3 per cent of the studies cited the integration of renewable energy as the main advantage of energy storage, followed by grid stability (23.7 per cent), carbon emission reduction (20 per cent), energy security (15 per cent), and economic efficiency (10 per cent). The review also found that significant capital investment, reliance on critical minerals, recycling issues, and regulatory uncertainty are significant issues for broad-scale implementation. The study found that by increasing grid reliability, improving the use of renewables, and contributing to global climate change mitigation, energy storage was one of the most important enablers for low-carbon energy transitions. Further technological innovation, policy support, and sustainable investment were still key to meeting resilient and sustainable energy systems.
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Copyright (c) 2026 S Mehmood Ullah Shah, Shaoor Ahmed, Dr. Imran Khan, Sughra Bibi, Intikhab Ulfat (Author)
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