Abstract & Overview
The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into smart grids presents both opportunities and challenges for ensuring grid stability and reliability. Energy storage technologies play a pivotal role in facilitating the seamless integration of intermittent RES such as solar and wind power by mitigating variability and enhancing grid flexibility. This paper reviews recent advancements in energy storage technologies, focusing on their capabilities, benefits, and challenges in supporting the increased penetration of renewable sources within smart grid infrastructures. Key technologies discussed include battery storage systems, pumped hydroelectric storage, compressed air energy storage, and emerging technologies like hydrogen storage and flow batteries. The analysis encompasses technical aspects such as efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, as well as the regulatory and policy frameworks necessary to optimize their deployment in diverse energy landscapes. By evaluating case studies and empirical data, this study aims to provide insights into the evolving role of energy storage technologies in achieving sustainable and resilient smart grids.