How can energy storage help the electric grid?

Three distinct yet interlinked dimensions can illustrate energy storage’s expanding role in the current and future electric grid—renewable energy integration, grid optimization, and electrification and decentralization support.

Is battery storage at grid level a good idea?

Battery storage at grid scale is mainly the concern of government, energy providers, grid operators, and others. So, short answer: not a lot. However, when it comes to energy storage, there are things you can do as a consumer. You can: Alongside storage at grid level, both options will help reduce strain on the grid as we transition to renewables.

Why is grid scale battery storage important?

The role of grid scale battery storage is becoming ever more important in the UK and across the world. Why? Renewables, such as solar and wind, provide clean carbon-free energy. In short, they’re crucial to achieving net zero emissions. However, they also have hour-to-hour variability.

What drives energy storage growth?

Energy storage growth is generally driven by economics, incentives, and versatility. The third driver—versatility—is reflected in energy storage’s growing variety of roles across the electric grid (figure 1).

How do grid scale batteries work?

However, electricity demand peaks later on in the evening after the sun has gone down. Fortunately, nearby grid scale batteries can store the energy generated and discharge during peak hours. In short, grid scale batteries help shift electricity from times of low demand to times of high demand.

Why is energy storage important?

Energy storage is critical for mitigating the variability of wind and solar resources and positioning them to serve as baseload generation. In fact, the time is ripe for utilities to go “all in” on storage or potentially risk missing some of their decarbonization goals.