Innovative Green Technologies for Energy Storage You Must Know
Written on
Chapter 1: The Reality of Climate Change
In the UK, summer is typically characterized by delightful sunshine and a refreshing breeze, enticing everyone to bask in the sunlight that is all too rare in this region. However, the reality presents a much harsher scenario: extreme heat with temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. Each summer seems to break previous records, leading to heat-related illnesses and strain on infrastructure. This stark contrast highlights the pressing challenges posed by climate change, which feels increasingly tangible each year.
Indeed, the UK has recorded temperatures as high as 38 degrees Celsius and experienced multiple heatwaves this summer. Such occurrences are anticipated to become more frequent, necessitating adaptation to this "new normal" of summer.
Fig. 1: Frequency of extreme heatwaves. Source: www.npr.org and IPCC
Aside from adapting to the changing climate, it is crucial to accelerate mitigation strategies. The energy sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions, with fossil fuels still dominating global energy supplies. Transitioning to a net-zero energy system is vital, and innovative low-carbon technologies will play a key role in ensuring a sustainable and secure future, aiming to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
To support this transition, the European Union has allocated approximately €38 billion to an Innovation Fund derived from its Emissions Trading Scheme budget, encouraging companies of all sizes to adopt low-carbon technologies.
As the global energy landscape shifts away from fossil fuels toward renewable sources, the outlook appears encouraging. However, the integration of storage batteries is essential for maximizing the potential of renewable energy. The challenge of recycling the vast number of used storage batteries presents a significant hurdle. Below are four innovative large-scale storage technologies that leverage renewable energy and show great promise in addressing this issue.
Chapter 2: Revolutionary Energy Storage Solutions
Section 2.1: Sand Battery
The first video, "The Shocking Truth About Hydrogen Energy: What They Don't Want You to Know," delves into the untapped potential and misconceptions surrounding hydrogen energy as a sustainable resource.
The sand battery technology, developed by Finnish engineers Tommi Eronen and Markku Ylönen from Polar Night Energy, utilizes grains of sand to store excess solar or wind energy. A tall, grey tower filled with low-grade sand is heated using surplus electricity from renewable sources through a method called resistive heating. This process generates heat by passing an electrical current through a material, allowing the sand to maintain a temperature of around 500 degrees Celsius for several months. This stored heat can then be utilized for heating water in district systems during colder months.
Section 2.2: Water Battery
A water battery, or pumped storage power plant, consists of two large water reservoirs at different elevations. When there is excess electricity, water is pumped from the lower to the upper reservoir, effectively "charging" the battery. When energy is needed, the water flows back down, turning turbines to generate power. This system is particularly effective for storing energy from intermittent sources like wind and solar power. Switzerland has already constructed the world's first water battery, showcasing the potential of this revolutionary technology.
Section 2.3: Gravity Battery
The gravity battery operates similarly to pumped-hydro systems, which currently account for over 90% of high-capacity energy storage globally. This technology uses gravitational force to function: surplus green energy is used to lift a heavy weight to a certain height. When energy is in demand, the weight is released, generating power through its descent. Scotland's Gravitricity has successfully tested a prototype gravity battery, using a 15-meter-high steel tower with a 50-ton weight to produce energy effectively.
Section 2.4: CO2 Battery
Among the most intriguing advancements is the CO2 battery, developed by Italian startup Energy Dome, which employs carbon dioxide as its primary component. This long-duration energy storage solution leverages CO2's unique property of being able to condense into a liquid under pressure at room temperature. The battery charges by compressing CO2, capturing the heat generated during this process. When the CO2 is heated and converted back into gas, it powers a turbine to generate electricity, all while maintaining a closed system.
The CO2 battery stands out for not relying on rare earth materials, making it both cost-effective and widely accessible. With all components readily available on the market, this technology holds significant promise for fast commercialization and reliable operation.
In conclusion, these groundbreaking technologies offer hope in our battle against climate change, potentially restoring the idyllic British summers we once took for granted.
Sources: