The following comments are extracted from a speech by Ken Kozlik, Chief Operating Officer of the Ontario Independendent Electricity System Operator, on May 6:
I see real-life examples, right here, right now, where energy storage could significantly improve our world and increase the future potential for renewable generation. And wouldn’t it make my life, as COO of the IESO, a heck of a lot simpler!
Let me declare right off the bat that I am not an expert in the field, but I find it very exciting to hear of the significant advancements that are being made in some of the newer storage technologies. I say “newer” because many of the ideas have been around for a long time, but now have new life breathed into them exactly because of that opportunity knocking.
Batteries and other energy storage mediums of all types are being discussed in the mainstream media. It might be announcements about new milestones being achieved with Sodium Sulphur, or NAS batteries that have been successfully configured to deliver as much as 200 MW from multiple 12 MW blocks with 8 hours of energy storage capability. Storage of that magnitude could facilitate energy time-shifting, or renewable generation support, and can do so within metropolitan areas where when strategically located can provide other benefits too. In Japan, a single 34 MW NAS battery has been teamed up with a windmill to “smooth” the output and provide more wind-generated energy when needed most.
Another day, there are announcements about different storage technologies such as Flow Batteries (Vanadium Redox for those technically inclined) or large scale nickel hydride batteries that can charge and discharge more rapidly. And of course, advancements in the storage technologies such as ultra capacitors, Lithium Ion batteries, or hydrogen fuel cells that, among other applications, all of which might be able to be incorporated into our transportation sector, seem almost to be announced daily.
Close to my landscape is the use of flywheel technology. We at the IESO are investigating the use of 20 MW flywheel systems that are being planned for power system regulation in both California and New York. With increased variability on both the supply side from renewable generation, and on the demand side from more active consumers, we believe the focus on regulation, the ability to finely tune the power system to make sure we receive our electricity exactly at 60 Hz, will only increase in the future.
And I certainly don’t want to leave out what could be one of biggest game-changing technologies for the future; the exciting promises of hydrogen, and the very significant research that continues to tackle the tough nut of hydrogen storage, with potential solutions in this area including use of leading-edge nano-technologies.”