Forms of Reliably Storing Useful Energy
Energy storage is humanity's ability to capture, preserve, and later utilize physical and mental effort. Throughout history, humans have developed various mechanisms to store the value of their labor, ranging from tangible resources like food and fuel to abstract concepts like currency and social capital. This comprehensive overview explores different energy storage methods, their characteristics, and their role in human civilization. Vision and ultimate goal of this effort is to find best way for every individual or company how to realiably store hardly earned personal energy and not loose it over long term.
| ★ Favorites | Storage Type | Category | Energy Density / kilogram | Energy Density / liter | Storage Duration | Portability | Effort to Create | Effort to Buy | Effort to Maintain | Effort to Consume | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat Currency | Monetary | Abstract | Abstract | 10.0 years | High (digital) | Very High | Very Low | Low | Very Low | Government-backed, represents stored labor value, subject to inflation, universally accepted within jurisdiction. Only central banks can create. Easy to obtain from ATM or bank. Simply spend it at any store. Requires monitoring exchange rates and inflation | |
| Bitcoin | Monetary | Abstract | Abstract | Indefinite | Perfect (digital) | High | Low | Medium | Very Low | Decentralized, energy-intensive creation, fixed supply, volatile value, cryptographically secured. Can buy via apps with bank account and ID verification. Send transaction via app or convert to fiat. Requires secure backup of private keys and wallet management | |
| Diesel | Fossil Fuel | 12.67 kWh/kg | 10.70 kWh/L | 5.0 years | Moderate | Very High | Very Low | Low | Very Low | High energy density, liquid at room temperature, infrastructure dependent, non-renewable. Available at any gas station. Simply pump into vehicle or equipment. Requires proper storage tanks and occasional fuel stabilizers | |
| Petrol (Gasoline) | Fossil Fuel | 12.89 kWh/kg | 9.67 kWh/L | 3.0 years | Moderate | Very High | Very Low | Low | Very Low | Slightly higher energy than diesel, more volatile, widespread infrastructure, refined from crude oil. Available at any gas station. Simply pump into vehicle. Requires vented storage and stabilizers for long-term storage | |
| Kerosene (Jet Fuel) | Fossil Fuel | 12.00 kWh/kg | 9.72 kWh/L | 5.0 years | Moderate | Very High | Low | Low | Very Low | Aviation fuel, high energy density, stable at altitude temperatures, accessible for some individuals. Can buy at some fuel stations or suppliers with permits. Use in jet engines or heaters. Requires proper storage containers and periodic quality checks | |
| Liquid Methane | Chemical | 15.42 kWh/kg | 6.47 kWh/L | Indefinite | Low (requires cooling) | Very High | Very High | Very High | Medium | SpaceX Starship fuel, producible from CO₂ + H₂O via Sabatier process, carbon-neutral potential. Requires specialized industrial suppliers, permits, and safety clearances. Requires specialized combustion or rocket engines. Requires cryogenic tanks maintaining -162°C with continuous cooling systems | |
| Firewood | Biological | 4.44-5.83 kWh/kg | ~3.50 kWh/L | 3.0 years | Low | Medium | Low | Medium | Low | Renewable, requires drying time, bulky storage, carbon neutral if sustainably sourced. Available at hardware stores, online, or local suppliers. Simply burn in fireplace or stove. Needs dry warehouse storage, protection from pests, and periodic rotation | |
| Forest Ecosystem | Biological | Variable | Variable | 100.0 years | None | Very High | Very High | High | Very High | Self-renewing, provides multiple services, long-term carbon storage, biodiversity reservoir. Planting and growing a forest takes decades. Buying requires real estate agents, property search, site visits, legal paperwork, surveys, and financing. Harvest trees, transport, process into lumber or firewood. Requires forest management, fire prevention, pest control, and sustainable harvesting practices | |
| Corn | Biological | 4.03 kWh/kg | 2.82 kWh/L | 1.5 years | Moderate | Medium | Very Low | Medium | Very Low | Edible energy, convertible to ethanol, seasonal production, requires processing. Available at any grocery store. Simply cook and eat. Needs proper grain storage with moisture and pest control | |
| Wheat | Biological | 3.83 kWh/kg | 2.94 kWh/L | 2.5 years | Moderate | Medium | Very Low | Medium | Very Low | Staple food, long storage if dry, global commodity, multiple forms (flour, grain). Available at any grocery store. Simply cook and eat. Requires moisture control, ventilation, and protection from rodents and insects | |
| Animal Fat | Biological | 10.28-10.83 kWh/kg | 9.72 kWh/L | 1.0 year | Moderate | Medium | Low | Medium | Low | High caloric density, traditional preservation medium, rendered for various uses. Available from butchers or grocery stores. Cook and eat or use for cooking. Requires refrigeration or curing, protection from rancidity | |
| Human Body Fat | Biological | 10.56 kWh/kg | 9.72 kWh/L | 0.5 years (6 months) | Perfect (on person) | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Personal energy reserve, ~7,700 kcal per kilogram, evolutionary survival mechanism. Created naturally by eating food. Body automatically metabolizes during activity. Self-maintaining through normal metabolism | |
| Water Tower | Physical | 0.0003 kWh/kg·m | 0.0003 kWh/L·m | Indefinite | None | Very High | Very High | High | Medium | Gravitational potential energy, instant availability, dual purpose (water supply + energy). Building a water tower requires significant construction effort. Cannot buy pre-built - requires custom construction contracts, permits, and engineering. Requires piping and pump systems to utilize. Requires water quality management, structural inspection, pump maintenance, and algae control | |
| Batteries (Li-ion) | Chemical | 0.14-0.28 kWh/kg | 0.35-0.70 kWh/L | 10 years | High | Very High | Very Low | Medium | Very Low | Rechargeable, declining costs, limited cycles, critical for modern electronics. Manufacturing requires complex industrial processes. Available at any electronics or hardware store. Simply plug into device and use. Requires temperature management, charge monitoring, and periodic replacement | |
| Hydrogen | Chemical | 39.44 kWh/kg | 2.80 kWh/L (700 bar) | Indefinite | Low (requires pressure) | Very High | High | Very High | High | Highest energy/mass ratio, difficult storage, clean combustion, infrastructure challenges. Requires specialized industrial gas suppliers, safety certifications, and permits. Requires fuel cell or specialized combustion equipment. Requires extremely durable high-pressure tanks (700 bar), leak detection systems, and safety protocols | |
| Gold | Monetary | Abstract | Abstract | Indefinite | Low (heavy) | Very High | Medium | Low | Medium | Historical store of value, physically scarce, chemically inert, universally recognized. Can buy from dealers, but requires verification of authenticity and payment of premiums. Sell to dealer or convert to currency. Requires secure storage (safe/vault) and occasional verification of authenticity | |
| Knowledge/Skills | Abstract | Abstract | 60.0 years | Perfect (in mind) | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | Human capital, increases with use, transferable, compounds over time. Developing deep expertise requires years of learning and practice. Can buy through courses, books, tutors - requires finding quality resources and teachers. Apply to work, teach others, or monetize expertise. Requires continuous learning, practice, and updating to remain relevant | ||
| Social Networks | Abstract | Abstract | 20.0 years | High | Medium | Very Low | High | Low | Reciprocal energy exchange, trust-based, multiplier effect. Building meaningful relationships takes time and consistent effort. Cannot be bought - must be earned through genuine interaction. Leverage for opportunities, advice, or assistance. Requires active relationship maintenance, regular communication, and reciprocal support | ||
| Compressed Air | Physical | 0.14 kWh/kg | 0.03 kWh/L | 0.0005 years (4 hours) | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low | Mechanical energy storage, simple technology, lower efficiency, industrial applications. Compressed air systems available from industrial suppliers. Release through pneumatic tools or equipment. Requires pressure vessel inspection, compressor maintenance, and safety valves | |
| Flywheel | Physical | 0.14 kWh/kg | 0.50 kWh/L | 0.0001 years (1 hour) | None | Very High | High | Medium | Medium | Kinetic energy storage, high power density, low energy density, minimal degradation. Manufacturing requires precision engineering and advanced materials. Requires specialized industrial equipment suppliers and technical consultation. Requires conversion equipment to extract energy. Requires bearing maintenance, vacuum chamber upkeep, and balancing | |
| Alcohol (Ethanol) | Chemical | 7.44 kWh/kg | 5.86 kWh/L | Indefinite | High | Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Liquid fuel, social lubricant, fermentation product, multipurpose (fuel/consumption/medical). Available at any liquor store. Drink or burn as fuel. Minimal maintenance - sealed container storage at room temperature | |
| Muscle Glycogen | Biological | 4.72 kWh/kg | 5.42 kWh/L | 0.0055 years (2 days) | Perfect (in body) | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Immediate energy for physical activity, limited storage (~500g), rapidly depleted and replenished. Created automatically by eating carbohydrates. Body automatically uses during exercise. Self-maintaining through normal diet and exercise | |
| Seeds | Biological | Variable | Variable | 10 years | High | Low | Very Low | Low | Medium | Genetic + caloric energy, dormant life, multiplication potential, foundation of agriculture. Available at garden centers and online stores. Plant, grow, and harvest crops. Requires dry storage, temperature control, and protection from pests | |
| Books/Data | Abstract | Abstract | 500.0 years | High | Medium | Very Low | Low | Low | Crystallized knowledge, infinitely reproducible, requires interpretation, compounds human effort. Creating quality content requires research, writing, and organization. Easy to buy from bookstores or download online. Read, study, and apply knowledge. Requires climate control for physical books, digital backup systems for data | ||
| Real Estate | Monetary | Abstract | Abstract | Indefinite | None | Very High | Very High | High | High | Productive asset, location-dependent value, generates rental income, hedge against inflation. Building property requires significant capital and construction effort. Buying requires real estate agents, property search, inspections, legal contracts, financing, and closing. Rent out or sell - requires tenant management or sale process. Requires property maintenance, tax payments, insurance, and tenant management | |
| Peat | Biological | 4.17-4.72 kWh/kg | ~4.45 kWh/L | 10,000.0 years | Low | Very High | Medium | Low | Low | Partially decomposed organic matter, carbon sink, slow formation, bridge between biomass and coal. Cannot be created by humans - forms naturally over thousands of years. Available from garden centers and specialized suppliers. Dry and burn for heat. Requires proper extraction and drying if harvested |