Using Storage Technology to Improve Fossil Fuel Plant Reliability
The Department of Energy (DOE) is investigating the use of energy storage technology, particularly thermal and chemical energy storage, to improve the reliability and cleanliness of fossil fuel power plants. This is a unique spin on energy storage, which until now has primarily been viewed as necessary to support the addition of renewable energy sources to the grid. But is the notion of utilizing this technology for fossil fuel plants ready for prime time?
Overview of the DOE’s Plans Around Fossil Fuel Plant Storage Technology
The DOE believes that energy storage technology can be used to not only boost power plant reliability, but could also lead to cleaner environmental performance. This is why the agency plans to provide R&D funding for a select number of companies that handle these types of technologies through a program called the Energy Storage Grand Challenge, which was launched via its Advanced Energy Storage Program that is managed by the Department’s Office of Fossil Energy.
According to a press release, the DOE wants to “leverage the low-cost production of hydrogen from fossil fuels with zero or near-zero emissions to facilitate energy storage.” The Department believes that innovations in this area would improve grid reliability, resiliency, efficiency and security, while also reducing emissions. The first round of R&D funding is expected to be announced sometime during the 2Q 2020.
From an emergency preparedness perspective, I absolutely love this idea! Anything that can boost reliability in theory would reduce power outages, which obviously benefits the emergency planning process. Even the Energy Storage Association (ESA), which represents over 180 companies in this arena, is onboard with this effort.
That said, back to my original question – is the utilization of energy storage technology at fossil fuel power plants ready for prime time? Clearly it is not, but this initiative is definitely a step in the right direction.
