We must have electricity because it powers our lives. That much everybody seems to agree. But opinions are divided over where we should get that electricity from, and how much we should pay for it. Today we debate the case for renewable energy storage. Is it a good idea, or should we keep building more coal power stations and natural gas peaking stations?
Why We Should Consider Renewable Energy
The Case for Continuing With Fossil Fuels
Electricity is energy that we harvest from natural resources. The traditional way is to unlock it from fossilized remains of ancient trees, and refine this into coal, oil, and natural gas. We can burn these resources around the clock, and we are accustomed to doing so.
But, there are only so many fossilized trees, and they take millions of years to reach that stage. Extracting oil, coal and gas irreparably damages our environment. Over 90% of scientists agree that burning fossil fuels to release their energy is causing global warming.
The Case for Cutting Over to Renewables
There is a strong case for sourcing renewable energy instead, and using battery storage so it is available around the clock. The energy in the sun, the wind, and the tides continues reproducing itself, so we could never run out of it. We just need to start harnessing it.
This energy is abundantly and eternally available, although the quantity varies depending on the weather, and the time of the day. We don’t have to dig renewable energy out of the ground, and so the cost is relatively minor. Accessing the sun, wind, and tides has lower environmental impact too.
The Role of Storage Batteries in Energy
Using our renewable energy resources is cheaper (and far safer) than nuclear and fossil fuel electricity generation. Storage batteries allow us to accumulate renewable electricity when it is available, store the surplus, and release it when we need it.
The case for renewable energy storage with batteries is abundantly clear. It is cheaper, more efficient, and safer. We can also harvest it in smaller quantities closer to end users, and avoid load losses on long, expensive distribution lines.
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One Giant Leap for Renewable Energy
