Simulation offers a wide range of options for analyzing and optimizing storage systems and their use in the context of an energy system consisting of other generators and consumers. This applies to both planned and already implemented storage systems. For planned projects, a simulation-based characterization and optimization of the envisaged storage system can be carried out on the basis of conceptual planning. The resulting simulation enables an analysis of economic and ecological indicators and thus allows an optimal design of the components under realistic framework conditions. All other producers and consumers in the energy system are also taken into account and included in the optimization process. Existing storage-based energy systems can also be characterized on the basis of simulation in order to gain insights into the system behaviour and reveal possible optimization potential. For example, it is possible to increase the economic value of an installed storage system by using alternative operational management strategies. Simulation offers a cost-efficient solution for identifying corresponding potential while minimizing risk at the same time.