Guest Editorial: Introduction to the special section on energy storage applications for smart grid

This aim of this special section is to present applications of electrical energy storage. The issue summarizes the most recent research and development and it identifies issues that must be addressed for the successful application of storage technologies. We were extremely impressed by the number of papers submitted in response to the call for papers and the spectrum of interests that the international community has for energy storage. The papers solicited discuss a broad range of environmental, economic, technical, market, and policy considerations associated with the application of energy storage on power systems. Out of 83 submissions, we were able to accept 22 exceptional contributions. The final paper selection was made based on the quality of the papers and an attempt to balance a broad topical representation. The final papers were divided into five topical areas as follows: 1) Hybrid Storage Management System and its Applications in Microgrids; 2) Storage for Active Distribution Networks; 3) Energy Storage for Provision of Ancillary Services; 4) Energy Storage for Integration of Renewable Resources; and 5) Operation of Energy Storage for Reliability.