Other similar technologies include the use of excess energy to compress and store air, then release it to turn generator turbines. Alternatively, there are electrochemical technologies, such as vanadium flow batteries.
Long duration energy storage (LDES) generally refers to any form of technology that can store energy for multiple hours, days, even weeks or months, and then provide that energy when and if needed. It is a technology that is essential if the world is to increase the proportion of renewable energy, given it is an inherently intermittent source.
“This is when long - term energy storage becomes crucial.” Long duration energy storage (LDES) generally refers to any form of technology that can store energy for multiple hours, days, even weeks or months, and then provide that energy when and if needed.
Norway-based Energy Nest is storing excess energy as heat in concrete-like “thermal batteries” for use in industrial processes. Heat for heavy industry is more typically generated by burning natural gas.
One solution is to store excess energy when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing — then discharge it when necessary.
This uses excess renewable power to lift and stack composite blocks that are later released to generate electricity. A 5MW capacity proof-of-concept facility in Switzerland, built in 2020, achieved 75 per cent round-trip efficiency, Energy Vault says, and it has announced plans to deploy the technology in China.