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New solutions for storing solar and wind energy seek to avoid waste and reduce costs, guaranteeing electricity even on cloudy or windless days.
Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, is already revolutionizing the way we consume electricity. But despite all the advances, we still face a problem: how to store the excess energy produced on sunny and windy days to be used at times of greatest demand or when the weather is unfavorable? The answer may lie in so-called “giant batteries” and in creative solutions that take advantage of the subsoil to avoid wasting energy and can even reduce electricity bills.
Why do we need giant batteries?
When the sun is shining brightly and the winds are blowing hard, solar panels and wind turbines can generate far more electricity than we consume at that moment. The problem is that when the sun goes down or the wind stops, energy production drops dramatically. That’s where giant batteries come in: storage systems capable of storing this excess energy and releasing it when we need it most.
Lithium-ion batteries, which we are all familiar with, are very useful, but they have their limitations. They can typically provide power for up to four hours. This is not enough to meet demands over longer periods or in extreme situations, such as heat waves that overload the power grid. Therefore, the future of renewable energy depends on solutions that can store energy for at least 10 hours, or even more.
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Technologies that promise to change energy storage
Some of these innovations are already being tested and are showing promising results. One example is pumped storage hydropower. In this system, when there is a excess renewable energy on the grid, it is used to pump water to a reservoir on an elevated area. Later, when demand increases and solar or wind power production drops, the water is released to turn turbines and generate electricity.
Another fascinating technology is the use of underground caverns to store energy. Companies like Hydrostor, in Canada, use excess energy to pump compressed air into underground caverns filled with water. This air pushes the water upward, storing energy. When the energy is needed, the water flows back down, releasing air that turns turbines and generates electricity.
These ideas are not only creative, but also sustainable, taking advantage of natural resources to avoid wasting energy and make electricity bills cheaper for consumers.
Reducing costs and the electricity bill
A recent study conducted by universities and laboratories in the US and Canada has shown that these technologies not only make the use of solar and wind energy more efficient, but can also significantly reduce electricity costs. The research looked at an area that includes the western US, Canada and part of northern Mexico, and found that long-duration storage can lower electricity prices by more than 70% during peak demand times.
Imagine coming home in the late afternoon, turning on your appliances and not worrying about spikes in your electricity bill. This is possible because these solutions allow energy generated during the day to be stored and used at night, reducing the need to build new, expensive and complex transmission lines.
Investments in the future
In the United States, the Biden administration is betting heavily on these technologies. In 2021, the initiative was launched Long Duration Storage Shot, with the goal of reducing the cost of long-term storage technologies by 90% over the next 10 years. Last year, $325 million was earmarked for projects ranging from batteries made of iron and water to thermal energy storage in concrete.
The country has the potential to double its pumped storage hydropower capacity, which currently stands at 22 gigawatts. This type of investment not only improves energy infrastructure but also creates a more resilient system that is prepared to face climate challenges.
Renewable energy without waste
The biggest benefit of these giant batteries is that they prevent energy waste. Today, much of the energy generated by renewable sources goes unused because we simply have nowhere to store it. With advanced storage systems, solar and wind energy can be used in their entirety, making the transition to a clean energy matrix more efficient and cost-effective.
These technologies also help avoid the need to import energy from distant regions, which can be expensive and complicated. With more solar panels and wind turbines installed locally, each community can enjoy the benefits of a clean and affordable energy.
The future of clean energy depends on investment in technology, and these innovations show that we are on the right track. With these changes, we can say goodbye to wasted energy and welcome a more sustainable and efficient system. After all, who doesn’t want a lower energy bill and a healthier planet?
