To What Extent Has Energy Storage Research Over the Past 25 Years Shaped Policy Trajectories and Societal Transformation?

Abstract

Over the past 25 years, energy storage technologies have transitioned from niche technical innovations to critical enablers of global energy transition strategies. Despite substantial advancements in performance, efficiency, and scalability, a key question persists: to what extent has this expanding body of research shaped policy trajectories and broader societal transformation? Addressing this question is essential to understanding whether technological progress has translated into meaningful policy alignment and societal impact. This study aims to critically examine the extent to which energy storage research has contributed to shaping policy development and societal change between 2000 and 2025. The objectives are: (1) to analyse the growth and evolution of global energy storage research; (2) to identify key contributors, including leading countries, institutions, and authors; and (3) to evaluate the alignment between emerging research themes, policy priorities, and societal needs.

A bibliometric and knowledge mapping approach was employed using data retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Following data cleaning and deduplication, several thousand peer-reviewed publications were analysed. ScientoPy was used to assess research productivity and citation impact, while VOSviewer was applied to construct co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence networks, enabling the identification of intellectual structures and thematic evolution across the field. The findings reveal a substantial expansion in research output, particularly after 2010, driven by global decarbonization agendas and the increasing integration of renewable energy systems. Early research was predominantly technology-centric, focusing on battery chemistry and performance optimisation. In contrast, more recent studies demonstrate a notable shift toward policy implementation, regulatory frameworks, sustainability considerations, and socio-economic dimensions. However, the extent to which research has shaped policy and societal transformation remains uneven across regions, with stronger alignment observed in countries actively advancing energy transition strategies. A key limitation of this study is its reliance on indexed databases, which may exclude relevant regional or non-indexed contributions. Nevertheless, the findings provide important insights into the evolving role of energy storage research beyond technical innovation. The study underscores the need for stronger integration between research, policy design, and societal engagement to ensure that technological advancements effectively contribute to sustainable and inclusive energy transitions.