Wind and solar energy has a main flaw: it is unpredictable. It is controlled by the sun and the wind—which have little consideration for the fluctuations of power demand based on predictable human activity. The promise of energy storage has been all the rage of late, including Tesla’s much anticipated home battery and electric cars as storage units. All eyes are on Ireland, where an energy storage plant with an operating capacity of 20MW (enough to power 25,000 homes) is to be laid within the next few weeks. Its flywheel technology will be able to harness kinetic energy from the grid at times of over-supply, releasing it when needed. It is expected that the storage plant, which is scheduled to come online by 2017, will enable Ireland’s power grid to increase it dependence on renewable energy up to 75% v. today’s 50% ceiling.
Ireland’s energy storage plant to boost grid’s reliance on wind and solar up to 75%
More of Today's Solutions
Doctors can see blood vessels in new ways with this technique
Imaging blood vessels is harder than you might think. Information about the surrounding structures and cells in the tissue have to be imaged multiple ...
Read MoreThe brightest corners of the world: the 20 happiest countries in 2024
For the seventh consecutive year, Finland basks in the glow of happiness, topping the charts as the world's happiest country, according to the 2024 ...
Read MoreOutdoor play could be a visionary solution for children’s eye health
In the age of screens and digital devices, encouraging children to engage in outdoor play may appear to be a daunting task. However, new ...
Read MoreDublin expands car-free zones to improve bus travel and city life
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Dublin is taking further steps to reduce private car traffic in its city centre, with new restrictions set ...
Read More
