Battery Energy Storage Systems in Power Systems: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Technologies, Applications, and Challenges

This systematic review evaluates the application and performance of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) in large-scale power and distribution systems, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines to ensure methodological transparency and reproducibility. Data were extracted from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed for English-language primary research published between 2016 and 10 March 2025, focusing on BESS technical performance, grid integration, imbalance mitigation, and battery-material efficiency. After screening 1334 records, 41 studies met the inclusion criteria. Reported BESS capacities range from 0.045 to 493 MWh, with most operational systems between 1 and 20 MWh and power ratings from 0.035 to 12 MW. System voltages extend from low-voltage applications (<1 kV) to 22 kV in utility-scale deployments. Round-trip efficiencies are typically 90%–97.5%, while a small subset of studies report lower values (65%–70%), highlighting technology- and context-dependent variability. State-of-charge (SOC) windows are commonly constrained to 10%–90% to limit degradation and extend lifetime. Economic assessments indicate that BESS can be cost-effective for peak shaving, frequency response, and grid support when appropriately sized and operated. This review goes beyond previous works by providing a quantitative benchmarking of power, energy, voltage, efficiency, and cost indicators across real projects and detailed case studies, and by situating BESS within a broader landscape of complementary storage technologies such as pumped hydro, flywheels, and thermal storage. The findings underscore the strategic role of BESS in decarbonization pathways and point to future research needs in hybrid storage architectures, advanced materials, and intelligent energy management systems.