A new report by The Royal Society details the costs, advantages, disadvantages and technological readiness of large-scale electricity storage options.
A new report by The Royal Society, co-authored by four CREDS researchers, details the costs, advantages, disadvantages and technological readiness of large-scale electricity storage options.
Wind and solar energy has the potential to provide much of the supply needed to meet future demand and assist the UK to meet its commitment to be net zero by 2050.
These are the cheapest sources of low-carbon energy, however, the amount of power produced varies in response to wind strength and the amount of sunshine. Energy demand is also variable, with requirements for heating and electricity changing day-to-day and seasonally.
With volatile supply and variable demand, surplus energy needs to be stored to ensure continuity at point of use (and/or via the use of flexible sources of energy). Historical weather records suggest that large amounts of energy will need to be stored over long periods of time, in order to avoid disruptions to supply.
The Royal Society’s reportOpens in a new tab details the range of options available when wind and solar are unable to meet demand, including storing electricity in batteries, by compressing air, by making hydrogen using electrolysers or as heat.
Four researchers from CREDS – Nick Eyre, Mark Barrett, Phil Eames, and Grant Wilson – contributed to the report.
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