The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Metal Tech News – September 27, 2023
Westinghouse is advancing a long-duration thermal energy storage solution that utilizes supercritical carbon dioxide and inexpensive thermal storage mediums such as concrete blocks to support adding clean energy resources to the grid.
To help commercialize a renewable energy storage solution that overcomes some of the drawbacks associated with lithium-ion batteries and other traditional storage technologies, the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Westinghouse Electric Company funding for a pumped thermal energy storage system in Alaska.
This 1.2 gigawatt-hour long-duration energy storage system, being built about 100 miles south of Fairbanks, Alaska, will support new wind power being installed along the state's Railbelt.
"Having an effective and affordable way to store energy has been the choke point for renewable energy technology," said Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy. "By providing long-duration energy storage, this project will help enable us to better utilize the renewable resources that are abundant in Alaska."
Westinghouse has been working with Echogen, the leading supplier of supercritical carbon dioxide-based technologies, for several years to advance long-duration thermal energy storage technology.
Utilizing expertise and technologies developed by both companies, the system being installed in Alaska will draw electricity from the power grid and convert it to heat that will be stored in concrete blocks. This stored energy is then converted back into electricity using a heat engine.
"Westinghouse is dedicated to powering the future with clean energy solutions. Our long-duration energy storage system enables a higher penetration of renewables on the grid to achieve decarbonization goals without sacrificing overall stability," said Westinghouse President and CEO Patrick Fragman.
In addition to showcasing the viability of this technology as a simple, safe, and cost-effective means of storing energy for 10 hours or longer, the Alaska locale provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate the viability of high-temperature, long-duration energy storage in cold climates.
The demonstration plant also supports Golden Valley Electric Association's strategic plan to lower the carbon emissions of electricity being delivered to its customers while also reducing costs and maintaining the stability of the electrical grid in Alaska.
"As a not-for-profit cooperative, GVEA's focus is on providing its members with low-cost and reliable power, while reducing emissions," said Golden Valley Electric Association President and CEO John Burns. "We are excited about the potential of long duration energy storage and the role it can play in integrating renewable energy not only in Interior Alaska, but the rest of the Railbelt electric system which serves over 80% of Alaska's population."
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