Long-term energy storage can store renewable energy over the long term. They are intended to simultaneously compensate for fluctuations and ensure a stable and efficient power supply.
Storing energy long-term and sustainably is becoming increasingly important. Many countries want to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. But to do this, fluctuations in renewable energies such as wind power and solar energy must be compensated for. At the same time, the power supply should remain stable.
Long-duration energy storage (LDES) could represent a promising solution to this. They can store energy not just for a few hours, but for several months. This is important to bridge times without sun or wind.
In windy regions, such storage systems often require longer cycles of ten to 20 hours. In sunny areas, shorter cycles of six to ten hours are sufficient.
Store energy in the long term – via various energy storage systems
In addition to LDES, there are other approaches. Pumped storage power plants, for example, store energy by pumping water into higher basins. But converting excess electricity into hydrogen also promises potential. Another possibility is to expand the power grid in order to transport energy between different regions in a more targeted manner.
However, climate change is a major challenge. It influences the availability of hydropower, which has so far played an important role in the energy system. Because when less hydropower is available, the need for other storage options increases. Long-term storage could close this gap.
Political guidelines and funding create the right starting point
Political guidelines and funding programs are crucial for this. California, for example, has shown how effective statutory storage targets can be and to what extent they can stimulate the market for storage technologies. Because long-term storage mountains have many advantages. They can harness excess energy that would otherwise be wasted.
Studies show that up to 92 percent of excess solar and wind energy could be stored and used later. This would make the power supply more efficient and reduce dependence on expensive grid expansion.
Storage also helps to absorb electricity price peaks and stabilize prices in the long term. Long-term storage can therefore be a key to a climate-friendly future. It is intended to compensate for fluctuations in renewable energies, ensure a reliable power supply, save costs and thus protect the environment.
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Source: https://www.basicthinking.de/blog/2024/12/07/langzeit-energiespeicher/
