A new flagship study by the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council, conducted in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of how long-duration energy storage costs are expected to evolve through 2030.
The report, Cost Benchmarking for Long Duration Energy Storage Solutions, draws on real-world cost data from deployed LDES projects, submitted by LDES Council technology developers and independently analysed and reviewed by EPRI. The findings indicate that many LDES technologies are on track for significant cost reductions by the end of the decade, driven by technology learning, improved system design, and increased manufacturing scale.
The full report, Cost Benchmarking for Long Duration Energy Storage Solutions, can be accessed via the LDES Council website, with the downloadable PDF available here:
Why long-duration energy storage
Power systems around the world are under increasing strain. Rapid renewable energy deployment, rising electricity demand from electrification and data centres, and growing exposure to extreme weather events are all reshaping grid reliability requirements.
While short-duration batteries play a critical role in balancing supply and demand within the day, they are not designed to cover extended periods of low renewable generation. Long-duration energy storage — capable of delivering energy over eight hours or more — is increasingly viewed as essential infrastructure for high-renewables power systems.
However, until now, a lack of transparent and consistent cost benchmarks has made it difficult for planners and policymakers to accurately evaluate LDES solutions.
Inside the LDES Council–EPRI cost benchmarking study
The study benchmarks costs across five categories of long-duration energy storage technologies, spanning both power-based and heat-based applications. By using cost inputs from operational projects rather than purely theoretical models, the analysis reflects how these systems perform in real-world conditions.
Crucially, the study also explains how LDES cost structures differ from short-duration storage, particularly at longer discharge durations, where some LDES technologies can scale more efficiently depending on system design and use case.
Key findings at a glance
The analysis highlights several important trends shaping the future of long-duration energy storage:
- LDES costs are expected to decline through 2030, supported by continued technology development and manufacturing scale-up
- Cost estimates are becoming more consistent across multiple technology categories, signalling increasing commercial maturity
- Some LDES technologies scale more efficiently at longer durations than short-duration storage, challenging conventional cost assumptions
- Standardized and transparent cost inputs enable better system modelling, planning, and policy decisions
These findings are particularly relevant for utilities and system operators planning power systems with high shares of variable renewable energy.
Why cost assumptions can make or break system planning
The way energy storage costs are represented in planning models directly affects investment and policy decisions. When long-duration energy storage is assessed using assumptions designed for short-duration batteries, its economics — and system value — can be misrepresented.
This study provides contextualized cost ranges that better reflect the design and operating characteristics of LDES technologies used for extended discharge applications. As a result, planners can more accurately assess which storage solutions best align with specific system needs.
Supporting better policy, investment, and planning decisions
The report is designed to support utilities, system operators, energy modellers, policymakers, and investors as they plan future electricity systems. By presenting costs on a consistent basis across a wide range of LDES solutions — while preserving commercial confidentiality — the study delivers practical insights for long-term system planning and policy design.
Justin Raade, Program Manager for Bulk Energy Storage at EPRI, said consistent cost representation is critical for informed decision-making:
“Policy and investment choices depend on how costs are represented. By aligning cost benchmarks for long-duration energy storage assets, we help system planning and policy to be grounded in consistent, actionable data.”
Mahika Sri Krishna, Senior Manager of Research & Analysis at the LDES Council, added:
“With a growing range of long-duration energy storage technologies now available, planners face real choices that shape system cost and reliability. This study provides cost inputs that can be applied across multiple scenarios to assess which solutions best align with specific system needs.”
🔽 DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT 🔽
DOWNLOAD THE FULL LDES COST BENCHMARKING REPORT
The complete report, Cost Benchmarking for Long Duration Energy Storage Solutions, provides detailed cost ranges, technology comparisons, and modelling insights essential for energy system planning.
👉 Download the full report from the LDES Council website
https://ldescouncil.com/ldes-epri-cost-benchmarking-study/
👉 Direct PDF download
https://ldescouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Benchmarking-Report-21-Jan-EXTERNAL.pdf
Further technology-specific cost details for system planning and modelling applications are available upon request.
