The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a new report titled “Net Zero Norms: Challenges and Solutions” highlighting the single largest hurdle on the way to achieving net-zero ambitions: energy storage systems. The April 2, 2025, released report describes how better storage is essential in a bid to ensure that renewables can be relied upon. Without better storage, the world can’t meet climate goals. Here’s what the report says and why it matters.
Why Storage Matters
Solar and wind are expanding extremely rapidly. But they are not always available—the sun is not shining at night, and the wind can dwindle away. Energy storage systems, such as batteries, store surplus power for future use. The WEF report cautions that without sufficient storage, the clean energy transformation will be slowed. “Energy storage systems are vital to a stable and secure supply of energy as we shift to net zero,” the report says.
The Scale of the Challenge
Storage capacity globally must increase exponentially. The report states that additions each year of grid-scale battery storage must reach 80 GW per year until 2030 to achieve 2050 net-zero targets. In 2022, just 16 GW of new gear was installed globally, far short of the target. Prices are also a barrier. Battery cost must come down, and technological innovation for longer-duration storage must occur.
- Storage Target: 80 GW of grid-scale battery storage required annually by 2030.
- 2022 Reality: Just 16 GW of new storage systems installed worldwide.
- Chief Problem: “Energy storage systems are essential to providing a secure and stable energy supply,” according to the WEF report.
- Technology Requirements: Improved, less expensive batteries for long-duration storage.
Other Problems in the Mix
Storage is not the only issue, though. Supply chain problems are also referenced in the report for critical minerals like lithium, which is used in batteries. Processing and extracting the materials take time and are environmentally fraught. And grid infrastructure must be upgraded to accommodate more renewables. Another 2021 report from McKinsey states that the cost of long-duration energy storage (LDES) needs to come down for net-zero power grids to be economically justified, with the market potentially expanding to a $1 trillion to $3 trillion market by 2040.
All countries across the globe are moving towards net zero. India, for instance, has a goal of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. But renewables, without storage, are still not competitive against coal or gas. The WEF report is urging more investment in battery technology and policy to accelerate deployment. It also highlights international coordination on access to mineral supply and innovation sharing.
What’s Next?
Solutions are emerging. Businesses are developing new kinds of batteries, such as flow batteries, for longer-term storage. Governments are providing subsidies to improve storage projects. The WEF report calls for more immediate action—increased investment, improved policies, and international collaboration. If the world can solve the storage puzzle, renewables can power the future securely.
The “Net Zero Norms: Challenges and Solutions” report puts it bluntly: Energy storage is the answer to a clean energy future. With 80 GW annually being the target, the countdown begins to deliver the world.
