We have entered an era in which we can no longer rely on fossil fuels, almost without realizing it. There are two reasons behind this. In the first instance their use is threatening the stability of our climate. In the second, more extreme weather is threatening grid stability. Therefore we will have to rely on several types of energy storage as we move into the renewable energy era.
Types of Energy Storage Available Today
Mechanical Storage
Pumped storage schemes move water to a higher location for release through electricity generators. Other proven methods include gravity storage of solid matter, compressed air, and flywheels storing kinetic energy.
Thermal Energy
Thermal energy stores heat we can retrieve later. This heat may be a natural phenomenon occurring below ground level, including from volcanic vents. But we can also collect it from lakes warmed by solar energy, and heat pumps in buildings,
Electro-Chemical Storage
Rechargeable batteries such we supply, and single use primary ones may be the oldest human-made energy storage solution. However, they may gradually retire from bulk storage in favor of flow batteries and super capacitors.
Chemical Storage
Power-to gas-technology takes electrical energy and uses it to extract hydrogen gas from the air, or methane gas from below ground surface or deep in the ocean. A number of bio fuels such as vegetables oils and bio mass are also stores of energy.
These Are All Potential Replacements for Fossil Fuels
The energy in fossil fuel was laid down in plants millennia ago, as they died and became stores of carbon. This kept carbon dioxide in balance in the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuel releases this ancient stored carbon to the atmosphere.
This has caused the climate imbalance we face. Solar, wind and tidal energy can gradually reverse this, but they do need energy storage to smooth nature’s cycles.
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