Giant batteries are increasingly used to deliver solar power into the evening and stabilize electricity grids across the U.S., showcasing significant technology growth.
Brad Plumer and Nadja Popovich report for The New York Times.
In short:
- California leads with the world's second-largest battery storage capacity, enhancing evening electricity supply without fossil fuels.
- Nationwide, battery storage capacity has expanded dramatically, supporting grid stability and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
- Advancements in battery technology and significant cost reductions have accelerated their adoption, influenced by both government policy and market dynamics.
Key quote:
"What's happening in California is a glimpse of what could happen to other grids in the future."
— Helen Kou, head of U.S. power analysis at BloombergNEF
Why this matters:
Large-scale battery systems are pivotal in addressing one of the longstanding challenges of renewable energy: variability. Solar panels, for instance, produce power only when the sun is shining. But as we push toward a more sustainable grid, balancing supply with demand becomes crucial. Here, giant batteries play a critical role. They not only store excess energy generated during peak sunlight but also help stabilize electricity grids, smoothing out the fluctuations caused by the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy.
Some more good news: Solar power on the rise at US schools.
