Energy Storage and a More Secure Electric Grid for Electric Utility Suppliers

Energy storage is now being considered as a possible solution for the interruptions, inefficiencies, and occasional unreliability of the current electrical grid system. Should a storage solution develop, it could potentially provide several gigawatts of renewable energy capacity across the country through electric utility suppliers, and eventually the world.

During the 2013 Intersolar panel in Munich, there were more than 200 different energy storage companies present, each with a unique storage-based solution to the current problems facing the national energy grid. As we get deeper into 2014, it appears that momentum is continuing, with new energy storage initiatives being announced almost on a daily basis.

One recently unveiled product in Japan is a commercial-scale system located on Yume-shima Island in Osaka. Sumitomo Corporation, the company responsible for the initiative, is using recycled batteries from electric vehicles as storage devices for power generated through solar panels. It is estimated that the efficient system will be able to store 600 kW and produce more than 400 kWh of electricity.

This is only one example of this type of initiative, and the number of different approaches is practically infinite. But all of these initiatives share one important thing in common: they’re all designed to improve the reliability of the electric grid while simultaneously creating more opportunities to leverage efficient, renewable energy sources.

If a model like this were scalable to a national level, it could theoretically save the country billions of dollars in lost energy while recycling old components and potentially reducing emissions.

For the latest news and reports on energy efficiency and the energy industry, stay tuned to the Star Energy Partners blog.