Top 10: Energy Storage Techniques

As the world faces the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels, energy storage technologies have taken centre stage. Energy companies are adopting cleaner, more efficient storage techniques from traditional methods.

While pumped hydroelectric systems once dominated, modern advancements now include lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, thermal storage and green hydrogen production.

The shift is about more than reducing carbon footprints; it's a strategic move for companies to secure long-term success in an evolving energy market. Here are the top 10 energy companies and the storage techniques navigating the global energy transition.

10 | China Shenhua Energy

• Revenue: US$48.4bn
• Employees: 83,500
• CEO: Zhi Ren Lv
• Founded: 1995

As China's largest coal producer, Shenhua Energy is pivotal in the country's energy landscape. The company is moving beyond coal to reduce its environmental impact and embracing energy-efficient technologies like ultra-low emissions for coal plants, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and renewable investments through the Guoneng Fund.

These initiatives aim to integrate clean energy sources and reduce emissions across its vast portfolio.

9 | ConocoPhillips

• Revenue: US$58.6bn
• Employees: 9,900
• CEO: Ryan Lance
• Founded: 1875

ConocoPhillips, with its legacy in oil and gas, has begun to evolve by focusing on reducing emissions across operations. Techniques like methane venting reduction, process optimisation and closed-loop completions all serve to minimise environmental impact.

Additionally, the company is investing in carbon capture, low-carbon hydrogen production and wind energy to align its business with global decarbonisation goals.

8 | CNOOC

• Revenue: US$57.4bn
• Employees: 22,000
• CEO: Yang Hua
• Founded: 1982

CNOOC is expanding its offshore capabilities by partnering with ConocoPhillips to explore renewable energy sources. Its pilot offshore wind farm in Bohai Bay exemplifies the company's forward-thinking approach to reducing the carbon footprint of its oil and gas operations. It's a small step but signals a bigger commitment to sustainable energy practices.

7 | NextEra Energy

• Revenue: US$28.1bn
• Employees: 16,800
• CEO: John W. Ketchum
• Founded: 1925

NextEra Energy has made a name for itself as the world's largest producer of wind and solar energy, boasting over 37,000 MW of clean energy generation capacity.

Its ambitious "Real Zero" goal targets zero emissions by 2045 through massive solar and battery deployments, the conversion of natural gas to green hydrogen and aggressive demand-side management programs. With initiatives in 49 US states and four Canadian provinces, they set the standard for clean energy leadership.

6 | TotalEnergies

• Revenue: US$237.1bn
• Employees: 100,000
• CEO: Patrick Pouyanné
• Founded: 1924

TotalEnergies, with its diversified portfolio, is pushing for more efficient energy use across its operations. The company uses smart metres, upgrades energy-efficient IT and lighting systems and even taps into solar power for on-site renewable energy generation.

Its focus on improving energy efficiency, from boilers to office equipment, demonstrates a holistic approach to reducing emissions.

5 | Shell

• Revenue: US$316.6bn
• Employees: 103,000
• CEO: Wael Sawan
• Founded: 1907

Shell, traditionally an oil & gas giant, is now turning its attention to renewable solutions. With a focus on EV charging infrastructure and sustainable fuel alternatives, Shell aims for a carbon-neutral future.

Its use of microgrids, battery storage and energy efficiency technologies like smart grids and low-carbon heat solutions are central to this transformation.

4 | PetroChina

• Revenue: US$414.8bn
• Employees: 375,800
• CEO: Yongzhang Huang
• Founded: 1999

PetroChina is ramping up its renewable energy efforts, aiming for a 50% share of renewables by 2050. Its initiatives include large-scale wind, solar and geothermal projects, with plans to power all operations with clean energy by 2033.

PetroChina is investing in hydrogen and carbon capture technologies to reduce its carbon intensity and achieve its ambitious energy transition targets.

3 | Chevron

• Revenue: US$196.9bn
• Employees: 45,600
• CEO: Mike Wirth
• Founded: 1906

Chevron is embracing various innovative energy-saving techniques, from solar and wind projects to geothermal facilities and biofuel development. Its approach includes carbon capture and hydrogen solutions, as well as electrifying their operations to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Chevron's focus on efficiency spans from cutting-edge geothermal energy to energy-efficient facility designs.

2 | ExxonMobil

• Revenue: US$344.6bn
• Employees: 62,000
• CEO: Darren Woods
• Founded: 1882

ExxonMobil is leveraging its extensive experience to address today's energy needs and tomorrow's environmental concerns. Its initiatives focus on improving efficiency through cogeneration, biofuels and global carbon capture projects.

ExxonMobil's energy management system (GEMS) optimises operations while exploring novel technologies like bio-marine fuels and hydrogen.

1 | Saudi Aramco

• Revenue: US$441bn
• Employees: 116,000
• CEO: Amin H. Nasser
• Founded: 1933

Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, is working to reduce its environmental footprint by implementing advanced energy-saving techniques. These include capturing waste heat through cogeneration, reducing flaring and integrating solar, battery and renewable technologies.

Its "Lead by Example" program promotes energy efficiency in lighting, vehicles and HVAC systems. Combined with investments in energy management systems and nationwide collaborations, Aramco's strategies aim to lower emissions and boost efficiency across their vast operations.

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