Emmanuel Boafo Baidoo, Samuel Kofi Tulashie, Enoch Mbawin Alale, Caleb Addai Mununkum, Darious Donkor, Foster Helegah, Jonathan Oduro, Kweitey Arafat
This review provides a comparative evaluation of key energy storage technologies and their role in supporting the transition toward decarbonised and decentralised power systems. The study analyzes mechanical, electrochemical, chemical, electrical, and thermal storage solutions such as lithium-ion, sodium-ion, flow batteries, pumped hydro, compressed air, hydrogen storage, and solid-state batteries based on performance indicators including efficiency, energy density, discharge duration, scalability, cost, and environmental impact. The review also examines how storage systems enable microgrids, community energy storage, and off-grid electrification, drawing on real-world case studies from remote and islanded communities. Additionally, the paper highlights the growing contribution of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT, in improving predictive maintenance, real-time energy management, and peer-to-peer energy trading. The review identifies critical challenges such as material scarcity, ecological impacts of raw-material extraction, high capital costs, and regulatory barriers. It further outlines targeted research gaps in material science, long-duration storage, recycling strategies, digital integration, and policy frameworks. Overall, this study synthesises technological, economic, environmental, and policy insights to guide the sustainable scaling of energy storage for future low-carbon power systems.