New energy storage track video

What is the future of energy storage study?

The Future of Energy Storage study is the ninth in MITEI’s “Future of” series, which aims to shed light on a range of complex and important issues involving energy and the environment.

How does energy storage work?

Currently, about 95% of the long-duration energy storage in the United States consists of pumped-storage hydropower: water is pumped from one reservoir to another at higher elevation, and when it’s released later, it runs through turbines to generate electricity on its way back down. This simple method works well but is limited by geography.

Why is energy storage important?

Energy storage is a potential substitute for, or complement to, almost every aspect of a power system, including generation, transmission, and demand flexibility. Storage should be co-optimized with clean generation, transmission systems, and strategies to reward consumers for making their electricity use more flexible.

What are the different types of energy storage technologies?

Other storage technologies include compressed air and gravity storage, but they play a comparatively small role in current power systems. Additionally, hydrogen – which is detailed separately – is an emerging technology that has potential for the seasonal storage of renewable energy.

Should energy storage be co-optimized?

Storage should be co-optimized with clean generation, transmission systems, and strategies to reward consumers for making their electricity use more flexible. Goals that aim for zero emissions are more complex and expensive than net-zero goals that use negative emissions technologies to achieve a reduction of 100%.