Book excerpt: Energy storage is a main component of any holistic consideration of smart grids, particularly when incorporating power derived from variable, distributed and renewable energy resources. Energy Storage for Smart Grids delves into detailed coverage of the entire spectrum of available and emerging storage technologies, presented in the context of economic and practical considerations. Featuring the latest research findings from the world’s foremost energy storage experts, complete with data analysis, field tests, and simulation results, this book helps device manufacturers develop robust business cases for the inclusion of storage in grid applications. It also provides the comparisons and explanations grid planners and operators need to make informed decisions about which storage solutions will be most successful when implemented in operational grids. Connects the latest research findings in energy storage with strategies for economical and practical implementation in grid systems Brings together diverse knowledge resources in one comprehensive volume covering all major storage technologies, explained by experts from the world's leading research institutions Includes detailed data analysis from field tests and simulations to help planners and engineers choose the storage method that will add the most value to their grid operations