Storing Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent (not available 24/7). Energy storage solutions are crucial for ensuring a stable power supply when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing.

Common Technologies:

• Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries (similar to those in EVs and phones) are widely used for grid-scale and home storage. Other chemistries are being developed.
• Pumped Hydro Storage: Uses excess electricity to pump water uphill to a reservoir; releases it downhill through turbines to generate power when needed. (Requires specific geography).
• Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES): Compresses air into underground caverns using excess power; releases it to drive turbines later.
• Thermal Storage: Stores energy as heat in materials like molten salt or insulated water tanks.
• Flywheels: Mechanical devices storing rotational energy.

Advances in energy storage are key to enabling a high penetration of renewables on the electricity grid.