Energy storage is crucial for electrification, and electrification is crucial to mitigate climate challenge
The energy sector is in the midst of a massive transformation with a critical shift towards fossil free energy sources. The vision is to establish a sustainable energy foundation that mitigates our environmental impact and reduces our society's dependence on fossil fuels.
Fossil free energy needs balance
Fundamentally, electrification is essential for the world to confront the climate challenge. Industries, transportation and our daily lives are transitioning to electricity. But for electrification to be meaningful, the world must transition to fossil free energy. Only then, can we rapidly phase out fossil fuels and their enormous climate impact.
However, the production capacity of fossil free energy sources like solar and wind varies over time, and is challenging to predict. This poses a significant challenge to power systems stability as we increase the share of fossil free energy in the power grid. New technologies will be crucial, with flexibility being the linchpin in the electricity grid of the future.
Take care of the electricity, then give it back
Technology offers intriguing opportunities to enhance flexibility in the grid. There is no doubt that battery energy storages currently provide one of the most efficient solutions. While the technology for energy storage and electricity distribution is complex, the basic principles are easy to understand. The battery takes care of the electricity when there is a production surplus of it, giving it back in the grid when there is a shortage.
Electrification is fundamental for the world to tackle the climate challenge.
Flexible grids strengthen societies, businesses and homes
Strategically located battery energy storages support the local community and the regional and national grid. By reducing peak demand in a local electricity network, like in a municipality, the strain on the grid is lower. This minimizes the need for maintenance and investments, allowing for the development of more homes and businesses without rebuilding the electricity grid. Consequently, the local community can enjoy lower electricity costs.
Nationally, energy storages reduce costs for maintaining the balance in the grid, enhancing stability and resilience locally, regionally and nationally. This becomes particularly crucial under extreme conditions, such as the war in Ukraine, where energy infrastructure is attacked and damaged.
Even countries like Sweden have recognized the need for increased flexibility in the grid. It is a way to avoid volatilities due to the rising electricity demand combined with extreme weather or a large drop-out of production.
>600bn EUR grid investment need for Europe until 2030
Ingrid Capacity develops and manages a flexible infrastructure
Ingrid Capacity develops and manages the necessary infrastructure for more flexible grids, primarily by developing and managing large-scale energy storages. We use both second life batteries and new batteries, depending on what’s best at the site.
Coming at the right time, the costs for battery storage technology have significantly decreased in the last few years, combined with increased technological performance. The lead time of a storage facility is 1-2 years from project start to finalization. Hence, it is the fastest way to strengthen and create flexibility in the energy system, especially in a time when the system must be strengthened and made more flexible quickly.
Therefore, it is fair to say that energy storage is crucial for managing electrification, and electrification is crucial for managing climate change and securing welfare.