Technology · Definition
Energy storage
A system that takes in energy, retains it, and later returns electricity or another useful form of energy.
In plain languageA system that takes in energy, retains it, and later returns electricity or another useful form of energy.
- Category
- Technology
- Primary reference
- U.S. Energy Information Administration
Why it matters
How this term helps you read grid data
Storage can shift electricity across time, provide fast grid services, and reduce curtailment. Power capacity in MW does not reveal storage duration in hours.
Example
Energy storage in practice
A 100 MW battery with 400 MWh of energy capacity can discharge at maximum power for roughly four hours.
Reference
Check the primary source
US Grid Explorer paraphrases agency terminology for clarity. Consult the agency reference for formal definitions and current regulatory usage.
U.S. Energy Information Administration →