Evidence mapping reveals fragmented energy storage assessment frameworks

⚡ AI Executive Summary

Researchers analyzed 301 peer-reviewed publications on energy storage evaluation methods across battery, mechanical, thermal, and hydrogen technologies to identify how decision-makers currently assess storage viability for renewable integration. The study found that assessment practices have accelerated over two decades but remain fragmented across competing metric systems and evaluation methodologies, with techno-economic factors dominating selection criteria while social and safety dimensions are inconsistently addressed. The findings suggest that energy planners lack standardized, reproducible frameworks for comparing storage options—a critical gap as utilities and grid operators face mounting pressure to integrate larger shares of variable renewables. Harmonizing how storage systems are evaluated could significantly improve capital allocation, reduce redundant analysis, and accelerate deployment decisions. The research also proposes minimum reporting standards and a feasibility-first workflow to make future assessments more transparent and comparable across technology types and regional contexts.