Background

The global energy system is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by the accelerated deployment of variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. While these technologies are central to decarbonization efforts, their variable and intermittent nature presents challenges to grid stability, and to resilient and reliable power supply. Energy storage technologies are increasingly recognized as a cornerstone solution to these challenges, by enabling energy system flexibility, improving grid resilience if applied in a systemic way, supporting the integration of higher shares of renewable energy, and strengthening energy security

Energy storage plays a critical role in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement recognizes that limiting global warming to 1.5 °C with no or limited overshoot requires deep, rapid and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions of 43 per cent by 2030 and 60 per cent by 2035 relative to the 2019 level and reaching net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 , while enhancing resilience to climate impacts. By enabling large-scale renewable energy deployment, storage directly contributes to climate change mitigation (Article 4) through reduced reliance on fossil fuel-based generation and enhanced system efficiency. At the same time, energy storage strengthens climate adaptation under (Article 7) by improving energy system resilience, supporting decentralized and off-grid solutions, and protecting communities from climate-induced disruptions such as extreme weather events and power outages. It also decreases the vulnerability of these communities since their energy systems become more decentralized and robust.

Accelerating the deployment of energy storage is also aligned with global commitments to transition to clean energy, including the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge launched at COP28, which underscores the urgency of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.

The Technology Executive Committee (TEC), under its 2023–2027 rolling workplan, is collaborating with partners including the International Renewable Energy Agency and Future Cleantech Architects to assess research, development, and demonstration needs for high-impact mitigation technologies, including energy storage, to support implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term low-emission development strategies.

In this context, the proposed webinar will present key insights from the forthcoming TEC policy brief on energy storage and foster dialogue among policymakers, experts, and stakeholders on scaling storage solutions as a critical enabler of clean and inclusive energy transitions and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Objectives

The webinar aims to:

• Provide a global overview of energy storage deployment, technologies, including decentralized and off-grid storage solutions and market trends;
• Identify policy, regulatory, and financing barriers to scaling storage;
• Explore the role of storage in future low-carbon and climate-resilient energy systems;
• Highlight actionable recommendations to support the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions.