energy storage
Newsletter
New fracking-inspired technology could revolutionize renewable energy storage
Three Houston startups are using a novel approach similar to fracking to create underground storage for renewable energy, potentially reducing reliance on lithium batteries.
In short:
- Sage Geosystems is developing the first commercial geothermal energy storage system in South Texas, using pressurized water in underground caverns.
- The technique involves injecting water underground, which is then released to generate power during peak demand, offering up to 10 hours of energy storage.
- This system, while still in early stages, could provide an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which currently dominate the energy storage market.
Key quote:
"There is a growing need for technologies that can adjust generation levels to maintain grid stability. The technology Sage is developing has the potential to be a game changer."
— Yiyi Zhou, an energy analyst at BloombergNEF
Why this matters:
Renewable energy storage is crucial for maintaining grid stability as solar and wind power become more prevalent. This technology could diversify storage options, reducing dependency on scarce lithium resources.
Related: Energy storage surge reshapes US electricity landscape
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Newsletter
Energy storage surge reshapes US electricity landscape
Giant batteries are increasingly used to deliver solar power into the evening and stabilize electricity grids across the U.S., showcasing significant technology growth.
Brad Plumer and Nadja Popovich report for The New York Times.
In short:
- California leads with the world's second-largest battery storage capacity, enhancing evening electricity supply without fossil fuels.
- Nationwide, battery storage capacity has expanded dramatically, supporting grid stability and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
- Advancements in battery technology and significant cost reductions have accelerated their adoption, influenced by both government policy and market dynamics.
Key quote:
"What's happening in California is a glimpse of what could happen to other grids in the future."
— Helen Kou, head of U.S. power analysis at BloombergNEF
Why this matters:
Large-scale battery systems are pivotal in addressing one of the longstanding challenges of renewable energy: variability. Solar panels, for instance, produce power only when the sun is shining. But as we push toward a more sustainable grid, balancing supply with demand becomes crucial. Here, giant batteries play a critical role. They not only store excess energy generated during peak sunlight but also help stabilize electricity grids, smoothing out the fluctuations caused by the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy.
Some more good news: Solar power on the rise at US schools.
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Newsletter
Compressed-air storage moves toward commercialization
Hydrostor Inc., a leader in compressed-air energy storage, is preparing to build two major facilities as the need for long-duration energy storage intensifies.
In short:
- Hydrostor’s first major project, Silver City Energy Storage Centre, will begin construction in Australia in late 2024, followed by Willow Rock Energy Storage Center in California.
- These facilities will help address the need for long-duration storage, critical for filling gaps when wind and solar power are insufficient.
- The Department of Energy recognizes the significance of long-duration storage for decarbonizing the energy grid, aiming to reduce costs by 90% within the decade.
Key quote:
“It’s a very simple system that just uses a hole in rock [plus] air and water.”
— Curtis VanWalleghem, CEO of Hydrostor Inc.
Why this matters:
Long-duration energy storage is the linchpin for a stable, renewable energy grid. Projects like Hydrostor's represent a significant step toward achieving ambitious climate goals by ensuring a reliable energy supply, particularly as reliance on wind and solar energy grows. Read more: Oil and gas production responsible for $77 billion in annual US health damages.
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Work now, benefit later: The energy transition will be stored for the future
Long duration energy storage, much like the federal government’s efforts to boost it, is about doing the work now and reaping the benefits later.
Work now, benefit later: The energy transition will be stored for the future
Long duration energy storage, much like the federal government’s efforts to boost it, is about doing the work now and reaping the benefits later.
Newsletter
A new job for electric vehicles: Powering homes during blackouts
Some energy experts say battery-powered vehicles will increasingly help keep the lights on and support electric grids, rather than straining them.
Newsletter
U.S. energy storage made record gains last year
Last year saw a record buildout of energy storage in the U.S., with battery and thermal storage growing by 73 percent, a new report finds.
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