Evaluating and improving technologies for energy storage and backup power

Expanded deployment of renewable energy technologies can help society mitigate climate change. However, solar and wind resources are inherently variable. In this issue Joule, Hunter colleagues quantitatively compare a diverse set storage backup power that variable meet demand. They estimate current technology costs, consider improvement potential, approximate the uncertainties. Solar panels turbines us reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our system. Their costs have fallen substantially as their has grown, they increasingly cost-competitive with electricity generation options rely on fossil fuels.1Taylor M. Ralon P. Anuta H. Al-Zoghoul S. Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2019. International Energy Agency, 2020Google Scholar Yet, globally, these provide small percentage supply (approximately 1% 2018).2Key World Statistics 2020. Agency; 2020.Google To achieve change mitigation goals, significantly expanded technologies, other comparably climate-friendly will be necessary.3Bouckaert Pales A.F. McGlade C. Remme U. Wanner B. Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for Global Sector. 2021Google over time space; reliance them grows, we need to reliably Many different types could help, including those providing generation, demand-side management, increased transmission, long-duration storage.4Ziegler M.S. Mueller J.M. Pereira G.D. Song J. Ferrara Chiang Y.-M. Trancik J.E. Storage Requirements Shaping Toward Grid Decarbonization.Joule. 2019; 3: 2134-2153Abstract Full Text PDF Scopus (119) Google it remains uncertain which most cost-effective sustainable. guide research development, public policy, private investment, researchers been trying identify or features technologies,4Ziegler hold significant potential integrate into comparing technological is difficult. For example, natural plants carbon dioxide capture storage, electrochemical batteries, pumped hydroelectric facilities all low-carbon when low, but cost structures complicate comparisons. Factoring how might improved presents further challenges. examine improvement.6Hunter C.A. Penev M.M. Reznicek E.P. Eichman Rustagi N. Baldwin S.F. Techno-economic analysis flexible support high grids.Joule. 2021; 5: 2077-2101Abstract (14) The breadth ambitious; study range combustion redox flow batteries systems combine hydrogen production, underground fuel cells. develop quantitative methodology designed consistent manner. Leveraging results extensive modeling efforts,6Zhang Guerra O.J. Pellow M.A. Benefit Analysis Long-Duration Systems High Shares.Front. Res. 2020; https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2020.527910Crossref PubMed (6) evaluate within scenario western United States relies predominantly (85% renewables penetration). Current performance data drawn literature reviewed experts. Meanwhile, future forecasted using law,7Wright T.P. Factors Affecting Cost Airplanes.J. Aeronaut. Sci. 1936; 122-128Crossref technology-specific learning rates represent decline observed upon doubling cumulative production technology, assumptions about growth production. Then, both possible systems, authors demonstrate increasing capacity, 12 h up 7 days, depending size. uncertainties estimates; and, hydrogen, also show sale additional lower costs. authors’ estimates emphasize importance reducing capacity separate applications. duration increases hours storing tend lowest electricity. This insight previous reports demonstrated sensitivity overall incorporate an system.4Ziegler Scholar,8Hittinger E. Whitacre J.F. Apt What properties grid valuable?.J. Sources. 2012; 206: 436-449Crossref (74) Scholar, 9Albertus Manser J.S. Litzelman Electricity Applications, Economics, Technologies.Joule. 4: 21-32Abstract (90) 10Sepulveda N.A. Jenkins J.D. Edington A. Mallapragada D.S. Lester R.K. design space decarbonized systems.Nat. Energy. 6: 506-516Crossref (68) add quantifying relationship, related uncertainties, specific technologies. Multiple studies, employing datasets approaches, highlighted consistency studies reinforces carefully feature developing new designing investments policies advancement. underscore role geologic storage—of dioxide, air, hydrogen—in enabling low-cost, low-carbon, Of examined authors, days without emitting storage. note, remain evolve what supporting integration. As change, learn more why improve decision-making. forecasts based very sensitive employed rates; data, along appropriate error models,11Nagy Farmer Bui Q.M. Statistical Basis Predicting Technological Progress.PLoS One. 2013; 8: e52669Crossref (137) utility. Moreover, conducting multiple approaches necessary. We variety use distinct geographies, well employ sources, strategies, analytic approaches. When efforts consistently same features, increase confidence robustness results. better understand enable These not own; requires insights investments. But effectively advance many potentially useful uncertain. should funding development prioritized? market-stimulating preferred? questions rarely simple answers, needs decide allocate have. still much encourage innovation facilitate sustainable ensure transition equitable, communities countries. evaluating cannot forget live above communities’ values.12Forbes S.M. Almendra F. Ziegler CCS Community Engagement: Guidelines Engagement Carbon Dioxide Capture, Transport, Projects. Resources Institute, 2010Google Going forward, reach local goals conjunction society’s broader Much work enough quickly avoid ever-worsening impacts across society. Governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, individuals substantial sustained scientists engineers must emissions. decision-making at every level, continue measuring progress, options, data-informed guidance rapid changes need. author thanks Prof. Jessika reviewing preview, Research Policy Initiative Fellowship MIT Technology Program funding.