Why Energy Storage is the Key to Renewable Energy’s Future

The global energy landscape is on the cusp of a revolution, replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. 107 countries across the world have already pledged carbon neutrality to avert the effects of climate change. Consequently, renewable power generation has picked up pace and renewable sources such as solar and wind are furthering the transition. However, the path to green energy is riddled with challenges, the foremost being intermittency.

As solar and wind energy are subject to availability based on weather conditions and time of the day, their inconsistency creates gaps in power supply and risks grid stability. Fortunately, energy storage, and battery energy storage systems, in particular, are helping resolve this issue. Let’s understand in detail how energy storage systems hold the key to a sustainable future.

What is an Energy Storage System?

It is no secret that solar energy production drops on cloudy days and ceases after sunset while wind energy is influenced by weather patterns. An energy storage system captures energy produced at one time for use at a later time. As a result, it helps to balance power supply and demand, improves the efficiency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind and even enhances the stability of power grids.

Battery energy storage system (BESS) has become the most preferred energy storage solution today as it minimises energy loss, can be scaled easily, offers durability and safety and reduces carbon footprint. At Jindal India Renewable Energy, we aim to establish a 1 GWh battery pack assembly line by 2025, using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry to facilitate energy storage.

Why Energy Storage is Essential for Renewable Power’s Future?

1. Solves intermittency issues

An energy storage system can help store excess energy when renewable power generation is high such as during sunny afternoons or windy nights. This stored energy can then be released when generation drips to ensure a steady supply of electricity. This also helps to reduce the loss of the excess renewable energy that would otherwise go to waste. For instance, a solar farm with a BESS setup can store surplus daytime energy and supply it at night when solar energy cannot be generated.

2. Ensures power grid stability

Renewable energy is subject to changes due to weather, time of the day and even location. These fluctuations in power supply can lead to grid instability. An energy storage system, however, can quickly release stored energy to stabilise the power grid during fluctuations and maintain a consistent voltage and frequency. This, in turn, helps prevent supply fluctuations and power outages.

3. Maximises renewable utilisation

Without energy storage, surplus renewable energy can go unused or be wasted. However, a battery energy storage system can help capture and store excess energy to ensure that every unit of renewable power is utilised. For example, storing solar energy produced during the day for peak demand in the evening. As a result, renewable power distribution can be optimised and even reduce dependency on non-renewable backup sources.

4. Supports decentralised energy systems

Many remote areas lack access to the power grid, making them dependent on diesel generators. Energy storage systems such as BESS enable the setting up of microgrids that can be powered by local renewable energy sources. This reduces reliance on centralised power grids and increases energy independence. Furthermore, it provides sustainable electricity to communities in rural and remote areas that can’t access the national grid.

5. Accelerates transition to a carbon-free future

Fossil fuels continue to play a key role in energy supply. Without energy storage, a global shift to 100% renewable energy cannot be achieved, which is essential for net-zero emissions and a sustainable future. Energy storage systems can help replace fossil fuel backup power with clean stored energy, driving the shift to renewable power. Come to think of it, energy storage isn’t just a backup solution, it’s the foundation of a reliable, renewable-powered future.

Final Thoughts

The transition to renewable energy is no longer a vision for the future, it is happening now. However, for solar, wind and other renewable sources to truly replace fossil fuels, we need energy storage solutions like BESS to overcome the intermittency challenge. By managing their variability, maximising energy utilisation and ensuring grid stability, energy storage systems can enable and accelerate a carbon-free, sustainable future. At Jindal India Renewable Energy, we are investing in battery energy storage solutions to make renewable energy more accessible, efficient and scalable.