Battery storage, also known as battery energy storage systems (BESS), represents a crucial technology in our transition towards a sustainable energy future. These systems are designed to capture and store energy, particularly from renewable sources like solar and wind power, making it available when it’s most needed. Imagine harnessing the power of the sun during the day and using that stored energy to power your home at night – that’s the essence of battery storage.
Currently, lithium-ion batteries stand out as the leading technology for large-scale battery storage facilities. You might recognize this technology from its use in everyday devices like smartphones and electric vehicles. These advanced batteries are now being deployed in larger, more robust systems to support electricity grids and ensure a consistent and reliable supply of renewable energy. Companies like Viridi Parente are at the forefront, developing innovative battery storage solutions for industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
The Importance and Benefits of Battery Storage
Battery storage is not just a promising technology; it’s a vital component for a world increasingly powered by green energy. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, means they don’t produce power constantly. Battery storage solves this challenge by ensuring that clean energy is accessible even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
Consider the UK, a global leader in offshore wind power. While the capacity is immense, the true value of this clean energy is unlocked when we can effectively store and deploy it. Battery storage enhances the utilization of offshore wind energy, potentially boosting production and driving down costs.
Maintaining a delicate balance between energy supply and demand is a daily task for grid operators worldwide, including at National Grid. This task becomes increasingly complex as we strive for net-zero carbon emissions. Traditionally, fossil fuel power plants have been used to manage fluctuations in demand. However, battery storage facilities offer a cleaner alternative, gradually replacing the need for these “peaking power” generators.
Government bodies recognize the transformative potential of battery storage. The UK government, for example, estimates that technologies like battery storage, which facilitate the integration of low-carbon energy, heating, and transportation, could save the UK energy system up to £40 billion ($48 billion) by 2050. This translates to significant reductions in energy bills for consumers.
Prescott Hartshorne, a Director at National Grid Ventures in the US, emphasizes the strategic importance of storage: “Storage enables further renewable generation, both from an operational and reliability perspective. It’s also a key piece of our utility customers’ ongoing evolution and transition to renewables.”
How Battery Storage Systems Operate
Large-scale battery energy storage systems are sophisticated technologies, far beyond the batteries you might use at home. These systems are charged using electricity generated from renewable sources like wind and solar.
The intelligence of these systems lies in their software. Sophisticated algorithms and computerized control systems manage energy flow, deciding when to store excess energy and when to release it back to the grid. Energy is typically discharged from battery storage during peak demand periods. This strategic release helps to stabilize the grid, reduce energy costs, and ensure a consistent electricity supply for homes and businesses.
While this discussion focuses on large-scale systems, it’s important to note that domestic energy storage systems operate on the same fundamental principles, bringing similar benefits to individual households.
Advancements in Renewable Energy Storage Technologies
The pursuit of effective renewable energy storage demands technologies that are not only cost-effective but also durable, safe, and capable of storing substantial amounts of energy to meet fluctuating demand. These systems must endure thousands of charge and discharge cycles over a long lifespan.
Lithium-ion batteries, a technology pioneered by a British scientist in the 1970s and first commercialized by Sony in 1991, currently represent the most economically viable storage solution. However, innovation in battery storage is continuous. Researchers and companies are actively developing a range of alternative technologies to enhance performance, reduce costs, and improve safety.
Prescott Hartshorne highlights the exciting future of energy storage: “The next decade will be big for energy storage in general and for batteries in particular. It will be an important proving time for batteries and for other technologies.”
Last updated: 9 May 2023
Disclaimer: This article provides factual information and may not reflect National Grid’s strategic direction or business activities.*
