Energy Storage Systems – Climate Change

Energy Storage Systems – Climate Change

Scientists have recently been working on using a novel technology to store energy from the summer sun until it is needed in the winter. And energy storage systems, which solve potential intermittency problems with some renewable generators, have been increasing.

“The role for solar is significantly expanding as we develop complementary energy storage systems technologies, but we need government support to continue to achieve its potential,” Mr Court said.

A report by the Renewable Energy Association found there were now 35 grid-scale electricity storage projects and at least 1,500 residential ones, totaling about 3.2GW.

These include hydro schemes, where electricity can be used to pump water uphill so that it can be used to drive turbines when needed. Gluts of renewable electricity can cause prices to go very low or even negative, which happened in Germany among other countries.

The latter scenario means those with energy storage system capacity can make money twice: once when they are paid to take electricity from the grid and again when the electricity is used at a time when electricity prices turn positive again.

Juliet Davenport, chief executive of renewable energy supplier Good Energy, said: “Renewable energy has been an unbelievable success story in the UK and around the globe.

“When I started my company 15 years ago, you could fit the whole UK renewable energy industry into a small room, and now nearly 25 per cent of the UK’s power comes from renewables.

“We’ve also seen a renewable revolution on people’s rooftops with more than 750,000 UK homes generating their own energy from the sun.

“As clean technology advances, Britain is bidding farewell to coal. The transition to a 100 per cent renewable future is within Britain’s grasp.”

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