Rich energy storage

Do we need energy storage solutions?

“We need energy storage solutions to make them permanent,” says researcher and electric battery expert Philippe Knauth in an interview for bbva.com. He also points out that the democratization of energy depends on “the combination of renewable energies and energy storage.”

Could a battery energy storage system democratize access to electricity?

Moreover, battery energy storage systems (BESS) could help democratize access to electricity. “In remote areas, such as in the mountains or in poorer countries, coupling renewable power with storage is a must for bringing energy to more people,” Knauth says. Yet energy storage systems have their hurdles.

Are liquid air energy storage systems economically viable?

“Liquid air energy storage” (LAES) systems have been built, so the technology is technically feasible. Moreover, LAES systems are totally clean and can be sited nearly anywhere, storing vast amounts of electricity for days or longer and delivering it when it’s needed. But there haven’t been conclusive studies of its economic viability.

Are energy storage systems safe?

Yet energy storage systems have their hurdles. “They do not last long enough. Some materials, like cobalt, are toxic; others are scarce. Most must be mined, which adds to carbon emissions,” he says. Today, lithium batteries are the most common. Their key strength is their high energy density, both by weight and by volume.

Could liquid air energy storage be a low-cost alternative?

A new model developed by an MIT-led team shows that liquid air energy storage could be the lowest-cost option for ensuring a continuous supply of power on a future grid dominated by carbon-free but intermittent sources of electricity.

Should energy storage systems be deployed alongside renewables?

Energy storage systems must be deployed alongside renewables. Credit: r.classen via Shutterstock. At the annual Conference of Parties (COP) last year, a historic decision called for all member states to contribute to tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.