Energy storage systems(ESSs) can improve the grid’s power quality, flexibility and reliability by providing grid support functions. This paper presents a review of distributed ESSs for utility applications. First, a review of the energy storage market and technology is presented, where different energy storage systems are detailed and assessed. Then, ESS grid support functions are presented and seven types of functions are described. Finally, the power electronic converters for distributed ESSs are reviewed and the corresponding features and performances are evaluated. The main objective of this paper is to provide an updated reference regarding ESSs for utility applications to researchers and practitioners in the field of power electronics.