Energy Storage
PROVIDING ENERGY ON DEMAND
Energy storage is becoming an integral part of our electrical infrastructure. The ability to store energy and release it when needed is vital to delivering a secure, reliable, modern electricity system.
Many of the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) operating across the country today use lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology. Li-ion batteries are already commonly used in a wide range of consumer devices such as laptop computers, cellphones, toys, and handheld power tools, as well as in electric vehicles. BESS has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to a low-carbon electrical grid.
ENERGY STORAGE delivers a more reliable - and sustainable - grid
In addition to electricity, grid operators need power plants that can provide services such as frequency regulation and voltage support, which are essential to maintain a safe and reliable electrical system. Because energy storage can release power on demand, adding BESS in strategic locations makes the grid stronger and more resilient, helping to prevent blackouts.
Want to learn more about energy storage? Check out our Sources page for more resources!
MAXIMIZING THE SUPPLY OF CLEAN, AFFORDABLE, RENEWABLE ENERGY WITH BESS
Without a way to store power, electricity must be used the instant it’s created. Our country’s electrical grids are carefully managed by grid operators that constantly ensure the supply of electricity precisely meets demand. Under normal circumstances, this is accomplished by the grid operator telling individual power plants to increase or decrease their production of electricity, sometimes on a minute-by-minute basis. BESS offers grid operators on-demand power that can respond quickly when needed. In addition, BESS makes it possible to save extra power generated during the day and release it when demand increases in the evening hours, helping to reduce or avoid price spikes and supply shortfalls.
