Grid-Scale Battery Storage Is Quietly Revolutionizing the Energy System
1 min read
Summary
The USA is experiencing a huge increase in energy storage capacity, largely thanks to lithium-ion batteries.
Battery capacity now exceeds pumped hydro capacity, providing more than 26GW of storage.
Energy storage has huge potential, easing the difficulties of transitioning to renewable energy and providing backup power.
The main advantage of energy storage is the ability to smooth out peaks and troughs in energy generation and demand.
As an example, during a heat wave in Texas last year, batteries provided a record amount of power to the grid, saving from having to impose power usage restrictions.
The main limitations on energy storage are high upfront costs and the time taken to see a return on investment.
There is also some concern over the potential impact of Trump administration tariffs on the importing of batteries.
