Large-Scale Energy Storage is Making Renewables More Viable
Among the most commonly heard criticisms of renewable energy is
the problem of intermittent supply. The sun doesn't always shine
and the wind doesn't always blow when you most need it to. While
smart grids and demand response may get us some of the way to
matching demand with supply, the viability of energy storage is
also a hugely important factor. We've already seen New Jersey
investing in compressed air energy storage, and the world's
first 24/7 solar power plant is up-and-running in Spain. An
interesting overview at Renewable Energy World suggests that the
energy storage industry is coming of age, and it could prove to
be a game changer for renewables: Grid-scale energy storage is
gaining momentum as batteries, flywheels and compressed air
systems begin proving they can regulate frequency and ancillary
services with the same efficiency of "spinning reserves" from
fossil fuel-fired power plants. "We still hear people say
storage isn't ready for pr