As we have seen the effects climate change has had on the world, it is not surprising to see how it also affects the way we see energy generation through its lens as well. Rising sea levels and ceaseless droughts have taken a toll on more than the economy in the affected regions. If you wonder how this affects energy generation, think of the cascading effect climate change has on the regular order of nature, especially since renewable energy generation is quite dependent on it. We can say that climate change has contributed to the increasing blackouts that we regularly face.
Energy storage: the carbon zero path
Even with India’s ongoing efforts at preserving the environment and goals to slow down the earth’s rising temperatures, we have another way to contribute towards helping the cause – energy storage. India has been increasing the number of installations throughout the country to support the grid. However, energy storage also helps us support our climate goals. How is that? Besides providing grid stability, optimal energy storage capacity also helps eliminate carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, thus moving towards a carbon zero India.
How does this help?
Many sectors in the country continue to contribute to pollution and in heavy numbers. To curb that wave, we have become gradually reliant on renewable energy, which further needs support from a reliable energy storage system. Proper energy storage solutions can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which is the number one cause of pollution and global warming that we face today. It is achieved by utilizing energy generation through means like peak-shaving, using distributed energy resources and bringing an end to carbon emissions. As a result, it supports our overall growth to the finish line towards zero-emission. Currently, the preferred means to bring this about for energy storage systems is lithium-ion batteries, preferred due to efficiency to costing and greater energy density. Having a better understanding of the technology and the efficiency it offers in terms of costing is also an important reason.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
BESS is a rechargeable battery system that holds on to energy from renewable sources or the grid itself to support energy distribution to homes and businesses. The advanced technology allows it to perform tasks easily which used to be difficult or near impossible, such as peak-shaving or load shifting. These systems play a significant part in reducing and preventing large-scale power outages, thereby aiding in reducing the human and financial costs affected by power outages.
Effects of reliable renewable energy access
It is widely agreed on how reliable green energy access has been helping us as a country. It supports more than the environment and economy by promoting the use of vehicles powered by renewable energy. With more of the population relying on modern green vehicles, it will further drop the levels of carbon emission in India. With cleaner environments, the quality of life in certain areas of the country will be significantly improved as well.
Eyes to the future
As India is headed towards greener pastures, there is no question that we are heading towards a newer chapter. Even as we work towards meeting our goals, there’s always something more that we can do. Green energy was a start, but now with supporting technologies, like battery energy storage systems, we can achieve far more.
If you found this informative, do visit this section for more informative blogs in the future. At the NTPC School of Business, we will be bringing you more such pieces in the future.