Electrochemical batteries have dominated the energy storage market since the discovery of electricity centuries ago. This is undoubtedly a record, although there are many other alternatives snapping at battery heels. We discuss two of many other energy storage solutions in this post. Both of them could make a noteworthy contribution, under the right social circumstances.
An Old Contender to Alternative Energy Storage – Hydro Dams
Additional pumped hydro storage is seldom on the agenda in developed economies, where there is already sufficient water storage give-or-take global warming. Obtaining permission for large storage dams is also difficult to steer through a maze of conflicting interests. However, the social factors are different in India.
It can be difficult to conceive a nation so vast, but where progress seems to have left so many people behind. The Indian Ministry of Power just released its Guidelines for Pumped Storage Hydro Projects. This sweeps aside the need for environmental clearances, and makes provision for 27 dams with a total 29,930 megawatt capacity.
There are a number of concerns around the giant series of dams according to The Sentinel news channel. They have potential to damage ecologically fragile regions, but will address the need for grid safety and stability during rapidly escalating demand. Time will tell, but on balance this appears to be a logical alternative energy storage solution, given the social circumstances.
A Very Different Approach is Unfolding in Germany
Meanwhile, scientists at University of Bayreuth in Bavaria, Germany are working hard to make thermal storage reality. This is a very different approach to the hydro dams in India, where they propose to store electrical energy in gravity. Suitable sites are in critical supply in Germany, and so they have decided to store electrical energy in heat instead.
Bavarian scientists are investigating fluids that could make optimal heat carriers according to Chem Europe. Initial studies suggest a round-trip efficiency of 70% is feasible. Although much more work is needed, they say, to fully exploit the potential of this form of energy storage. Our small grab sample suggests the need to match alternative energy storage within the social environment prevailing.
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