Long duration energy storage, much like the federal government’s efforts to boost it, is about doing the work now and reaping the benefits later.
In a nutshell:
Long-duration energy storage, essential for the future power grid, is gaining attention in the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy foresees the need for 225 to 460 gigawatts of long-duration storage capacity by 2050 to support electrification and achieve a net-zero carbon economy. Investments, estimated at around $330 billion, are being seeded with funds from recent legislation. Initiatives like Form Energy's battery plant in Weirton, West Virginia, and projects by Westinghouse Electric Company and EOS Energy Enterprises in Alaska and Turtle Creek are at the forefront. These efforts aim to address the challenges posed by increasing reliance on wind and solar energy, as well as the demand for longer-duration energy storage solutions.
Key quote:
“Recent severe weather events — ranging from heat waves to cold snaps to thousand-year rains — have highlighted the weakness of our electric grid, which is increasingly reliant on low-cost — and weather driven — renewable energy,” said said Mateo Jaramillo, CEO of Form Energy. “Energy storage would be an obvious solution to this.”
The big picture:
Long-duration energy storage primarily serves to bolster the reliability and sustainability of the electrical grid. While the health benefits might not be direct, this technology indirectly contributes to environmental health by enabling a smoother integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the reliance on fossil fuels, thereby promoting cleaner air and a healthier environment for communities. In addition, long-duration energy storage can enhance grid resiliency during extreme weather events, safeguarding critical infrastructure and potentially mitigating health risks associated with power outages.
