Balancing Renewable Energy: The Role of Battery Storage, Gas-fired and Hydrogen Power Plants
Key Ideas
- Solar and wind energy require additional solutions like battery energy storage to bridge gaps in electricity generation.
- Large-scale battery storage solutions are predicted to reach 700 gigawatt hours by 2035, with growing capacities in the terawatt range by 2050.
- Gas-fired power plants in the UK are already incorporating hydrogen for a lower-carbon solution, with the potential for CO2-free energy generation.
- Combining battery storage, gas engines, and hydrogen power plants in microgrids is paving the way for a self-sufficient and reliable energy network.
In 2023, solar and wind energy accounted for 14% of the global electricity mix, highlighting the need for additional solutions to balance out their volatility. Battery energy storage systems play a crucial role in storing surplus renewable energy and ensuring grid stability by providing emergency backup power. Experts foresee a significant increase in battery storage capacity worldwide by 2035, with China leading the way. Moreover, gas-fired power plants in the UK are embracing hydrogen alongside gas to create a lower-carbon energy solution. The integration of hydrogen power plants and electrolysers could offer long-term energy storage options. Furthermore, the combination of battery storage, gas engines, and hydrogen power plants in microgrids is empowering self-sufficient energy supplies. The article emphasizes the positive potential of these technologies in achieving a nearly 100% climate-neutral energy supply.