Energy storage is a term that refers to the process of storing energy for later use. Energy can be stored in many forms, such as electricity or compressed air. The most common form of energy storage is through electrical power and one way this is done is by charging up a battery with excess electricity from a solar panel or wind turbine at night.
Electricity from these sources may not always be available when needed, so storing it for later use allows people to continue using their favourite gadgets without interruption. Let’s explore the benefits of energy storage.
1) Storing Renewable Energy for Later Use
Renewable energy such as solar and wind do not produce power all the time. Energy storage can provide a means for storing excess electricity generated by these sources for use during times when they are less productive.
This stored power could be used to reduce electricity costs, provide backup systems in case of outages, or even send power back to the grid. Flywheels, Capacitors, and pumped water are some examples of energy storage technologies that can be connected to renewable power sources. With these, you won’t worry about losing power when the sun’s not shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
2) Stabilizing the Power Grid
The power grid is self-sustaining, meaning it has built-in backup systems for times when electricity demand exceeds supply. When this happens, energy storage can help stabilize the power grid by receiving or delivering energy to keep up with demand.
To elaborate, this is done by using storage systems to absorb excess solar power during times of high supply like the summertime sun and release this power when there’s a need for more. Energy storage also has the potential of giving the power grid additional support by acting as a backup system in emergencies or outages.
3) Maintaining Critical Life-Sustaining Functions
In case of an outage, having an energy storage system can ensure that life-sustaining functions continue to run smoothly. This includes hospitals and emergency services which may need power for monitoring equipment or lighting.
For those living in areas prone to high electricity costs, such as remote communities or cabin owners, having a backup power source with energy storage capability could potentially save the cost of running an engine generator. In addition, energy storage could save the precious time needed to switch over from one power source to another by providing a continuous supply of backup power through its built-in backup system.
4) Decreasing Need for New Infrastructure or Transmission Lines
Investments in new infrastructure and transmission lines can be costly and may not always be a viable option. Because energy storage can provide a flexible solution to meet power needs, it may help decrease the need for new infrastructure investments or transmission lines to be built. An example of this is through investing in distributed power generation units instead of building centralized units which could reduce costs and allow for maximum use of available land.
Energy storage provides a way for renewable energy to be stored for later use, it can help stabilize the power grid, maintain critical life-sustaining functions such as hospitals and emergency services, and decrease the need for new infrastructure or transmission lines.
