Energy storage systems (ESSs) and demand-side management (DSM) strategies have significant potential in providing flexibility for renewable-based distribution networks. Therefore, combining ESSs and DSM strategies with renewable energy sources (RESs) to solve economic, operational, environmental, and power-related political issues has received special attention from power system planners around the world. In this regard, developed countries, which are pioneers in renewable technologies, have proposed various supportive policies and practices for the widespread use of ESSs and DSM strategies in the context of distribution networks. Hence, this paper performs a comprehensive review of the most recent actions taken to build the infrastructure necessary to achieve 100% renewable energy. On this basis, this paper firstly surveys the necessity of using ESSs and DSM strategies in renewable-based distribution networks. Then, the existing policies and incentive programs implemented in different countries for the development of RESs in optimal coordination with ESSs and DSM strategies are presented. The impacts of utilizing ESSs and DSM strategies in improving the economic performance of the renewable-based distribution networks are also investigated. Finally, prevalent energy management strategies, which are proposed to optimize utilization of ESSs and DSM strategies in renewable-based distribution networks, are investigated from the perspective of optimization approaches.