Abstract
The distribution and deployment of energy storage systems on a larger scale will be a key element of successfully managing the sustainable energy transition by balancing the power generation capability and load demand. In this context, it is crucial for researchers and policy makers to understand the underlying knowledge structure and key interaction dynamics that could shape the future innovation trajectory. A data-driven approach is used to analyze the evolving characteristics of knowledge dynamics from static, dynamic and future-oriented perspective. To this end, a network analysis was performed to determine the influence of individual knowledge areas. Subsequently, an interaction trend analysis based on emergence indicators was conducted to highlight the promising relations. Finally, the formation of new knowledge interactions is predicted using a link prediction technique. The findings show that ensuring the energy efficiency is a key issue that has persisted over time. In future, knowledge areas related to digital technologies are expected to gain relevance and lead the transformative change. The derived insights can assist R&D managers and policy makers to design more targeted and informed strategic initiatives to foster the adoption of energy storage solutions.
Highlights
With ever-increasing energy consumption and power generation from variable renewable sources, the availability of effective energy storage system plays an important role in balancing the electricity supply and demand discrepancies as well as in the process of decarbonizing the global economy [1,2]
This feature is reflected in the recent growth in behind-the-meter energy storage applications, which are small-scale battery storage installed with rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) devices [7]
The decreasing number of startups might hint at a stagnating growth of entrepreneurial culture in the field of energy storage, which in turn is related to the high upfront capital requirements and high technology risk [62]
Summary
With ever-increasing energy consumption and power generation from variable renewable sources, the availability of effective energy storage system plays an important role in balancing the electricity supply and demand discrepancies as well as in the process of decarbonizing the global economy [1,2]. A joint report by the European Patent Office (EPO) and International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that approximately 50 times the size of the current gigawatt-hours of energy storage capacity will be expected globally by 2040 to meet the sustainable energy goals [5]. Against such a background, a high importance is attached to the development of sophisticated energy storage solutions to increase the proportion of renewable energy sources within the energy mix. The European Commission has identified batteries as a strategic value chain for the future of Europe, where critical investments are needed to generate positive spill-over effects across industrial sectors and enable breakthrough innovation on next-generation battery technology [10]
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