Battery storage systems are used in energy storage of weather dependent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy. Battery storage systems are also an integral component in microgrid systems, which can redistribute power when a major power outage occurs. The utility can use the microgrid to redistribute power to hospitals and first responders during the power outage.
The Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most frequently used battery storage system employed by the utilities. However; new storage systems such as the Zinc-Bromide (“Flow”), Sodium Nickel Chloride and Manganese-Hydrogen batteries are now entering the marketplace.
Another new, more effective storage system may soon be entering the marketplace. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has reported that power can be stored in the form of hydrogen for longer periods of time than lithium-ion batteries. Excess electricity generated from wind farms or solar parks can be used in an electrolysis process to create hydrogen, which can be stored in the natural gas grid until needed by utilities.
Electricity storage systems are essential for the continued growth in renewable energy around the world. In my opinion, the evolution of energy storage systems is the most important factor in the global reduction of greenhouse gases. Improvements in energy storage systems will accelerate the move from combustion engines to electric vehicles and the move from coal fueled power plants to wind farms and solar parks.