How does an inductor store energy?

An inductor stores energy in the form of a magnetic field generated by the flow of electric current through its conductor, which is typically shaped as a coil.12

When a current $i$ flows through an inductor with inductance $L$, the energy $E$ stored in the magnetic field is defined by the equation:

$$E=\frac{1}{2}L{i}^2$$

This phenomenon is rooted in the principle of self-induction. As current changes, the resulting varying magnetic field induces an electromotive force that opposes the change in current, a property often described as electromagnetic inertia. Because this energy is stored within the magnetic field, it can be temporarily held and later released when the current is interrupted or varied. In practical applications, such as with superconducting magnets, this capability allows for the temporary storage of electric energy to manage fluctuations in power consumption.12