ENERGY STORAGE AND SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS
By Toke Kjær Christensen, Ph.D., Department of Sustainability and Planning, Aalborg University
– rewritten based on the original journal paper: Energy Storage and Smart Energy Systems by the authors: Henrik Lund, Poul Østergaard, David Connolly, Iva Ridjan, Brian Mathiesen, Frede Hvelplund, Jakob Thellufsen, Peter Sorknæs
The need for substantial electricity storage is often emphasized in the transition to renewable energy. However, focusing solely on electricity overlooks the broader energy system. This article advocates for an integrated cross-sector approach (System Integration) to identify the most efficient and cost-effective storage solutions for a renewable energy system. It concludes that examining individual sub-sectors alone cannot determine optimal storage. Instead, integrating the electricity sector with other energy system components to create a Smart Energy System offers better alternatives for incorporating large, variable renewable energy inputs than relying solely on electricity storage. This does not negate the importance of electricity storage, which will still be crucial for other purposes in the future.
A holistic approach to the choice of energy storage: Transitioning from a fossil fuel-based energy system to one based on renewable sources involves moving from stored energy to variable energy sources that require immediate use or storage. This transition often highlights the need for increased energy storage, particularly for electricity. Some argue that renewable energy's viability depends on electricity storage. However, much of the literature focuses narrowly on
fluctuating electricity and direct storage within a smart grid context, neglecting other types of grids like gas and thermal. While electricity storage is essential, converting electricity into other storable energy forms is key to achieving a 100% renewable energy supply. Therefore, identifying optimal solutions requires a holistic perspective beyond a single-sector smart grid approach.
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HOTCOOL no.5 2024
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