Energy Storage and Electric Power Stabilisation

The availability of solar and wind energy is unpredictable and intermittent. As these energy resources gain popularity, the need for storage to cushion out the period when these resources are unavailable becomes desirable. For acceptability therefore, there is need to factor in energy storage in the planning and design of projects based on solar and wind energy resources. The various types of energy storage include pumped hydro, compressed air, battery and thermal systems. Electric energy storage can be used not only to stabilise the grid but also to reduce cost by storing during off-peak periods and injecting this back in the grid during peak demand time. With energy storage, the generating company will not only reduce cost but meet its contractual obligation manifested by steady and reduced outages. The consumer who installs electric energy storage facility will experience less disruption in supply and may sell back the excess storage where feed-in tariffs are practiced.