Why not bottle the wind?
Published 6:22 pm, Monday, July 16, 2012
It seems like every summer Texas' energy grid faces the threat of brownouts. That's because we need enough energy for those hot summer afternoons when air conditioners are running at max across the state. Then the sun sets and Texas has a surplus of electricity. But what if we could store extra energy for when we need it the most - like a backup battery?
A Houston-based outfit called Apex aims to do just that at a plant outside of Palestine, Texas. But rather than store energy in a chemical battery, they're using air. The type of plant, called Compressed Air Energy Storage, uses energy from off-peak hours to pump air into an underground cavern. Then during peak demand it can be released, with a boost from natural gas, to power turbines and provide electricity. It's cheaper than a traditional battery, and gives an interesting twist to the meaning of wind power.
The idea has been around since the 19th century, but only two modern plants have been constructed so far: one in Germany and the other in Alabama. While other sites have been planned around the country, Texas is in a unique position to benefit from energy storage. A distinct gap between peak-hours and off-hours electricity use makes energy storage a wise investment. This way Texas can use the energy sources we already have rather than build new plants, which are more expensive and add pollution. And because the energy source doesn't have to be shipped in (think of the 18-wheelers that are a common sight in fracking areas), the plant shouldn't take a toll on the local infrastructure.
Energy storage also makes renewable sources more reliable. While fossil fuels can sit in storage until needed, you can't use wind on a calm day. But storing compressed air essentially allows us to bottle the wind. Achieving greater flexibility in our energy grid certainly feels like a breath of fresh air.