Is excessive energy storage a problem?

Spyros Foteinis highlights the acknowledged problem that an insufficient capacity to store energy can result in generated renewable energy being wasted (Nature 632, 29; 2024). But the risks for power-system security of the converse problem — excessive energy storage — have been mostly overlooked.

Why is energy storage oversupply a problem?

The expansion is driven mainly by local governments and lacks coordination with new energy stations and the power grid. In some regions, a considerable storage oversupply could lead to conflicts in power-dispatch strategies across timescales and jurisdictions, increasing the risk of system instability and large-scale blackouts.

What challenges hinder energy storage system adoption?

Challenges hindering energy storage system adoption As the demand for cleaner, renewable energy grows in response to environmental concerns and increasing energy requirements, the integration of intermittent renewable sources necessitates energy storage systems (ESS) for effective utilization.

What if we were able to store excess electricity?

If we were able to store that excess electricity as easily-available potential energy to be used when electrical demand is high, the carbon footprint of our grid would decrease considerably. In an earlier article about grid modernization, I wrote that grids were never really set up to store energy.

Is excessive energy storage a threat to China's power system?

But the risks for power-system security of the converse problem — excessive energy storage — have been mostly overlooked. China plans to install up to 180 million kilowatts of pumped-storage hydropower capacity by 2030. This is around 3.5 times the current capacity, and equivalent to 8 power plants the size of China’s Three Gorges Dam.

Why is non-acceptance of energy storage systems a problem?

Non-acceptance of EES systems by the industry can be a significant obstacle to the development and prevalence of the utilization of these systems. To generate investment in energy storage systems, extensive cooperation between facility and technology owners, utilities, investors, project developers, and insurers is required.