News

Whether cars or energy storage, let’s be enthusiastic for portfolios

Cipher debuts Voices, a new section with articles from experts on topics important to reaching net zero by 2050. First:  @JackieADowling @Caltech on why a broad portfolio of clean energy tech is critical to address all climate challenges: https://bit.ly/3KrFpjG

Energy Department Targets Vastly Cheaper Batteries to Clean Up the Grid.

Linked in this paragraph: "Many utilities are now installing large arrays of lithium-ion batteries, similar to those used in electric cars, to help smooth over fluctuations in supply. But those batteries typically store electricity for just four to six hours at a time, which is insufficient to handle larger seasonal swings in wind and solar power. Some regions of the country can go days or weeks with little wind."

SoCalGas commitment to net zero emissions by 2045. 

Citation #25. "For example, when renewable power in generated and unable to be used immediately, hydrogen can be produced from the excess renewable electricity and stored for days, weeks, or even months; making clean energy readily available from season to season."

On the Cover: Hydrogen split from water provides fuel for long-duration energy storage. In this issue of Joule, Dowling et al. find that long-duration energy storage (e.g., power-to-gas-to-power with hydrogen) can make reliable wind-solar-battery electricity systems more affordable. Photograph courtesy of Durk Gardenier.

Press release for the publication Dowling, et al. Joule, 2020.

As more states in the U.S. push for increased reliance on variable renewable energy in the form of wind or solar power, long-term energy storage may play an important role in assuring reliability and reducing electricity costs, according to a new paper published by Caltech researchers.

Resnick Sustainability Institute fellows are featured.

Caltech Magazine, Volume 83:1, Spring 2020.

https://magazine.caltech.edu/archives