The batteries at Duke Energy’s Notrees Windpower Project in Ector and Winkler counties, Texas, will store excess wind energy and discharge it whenever demand for electricity is the highest – not just when wind turbine blades are turning.
The prevailing technology used at wind and solar farms throughout allows electricity to be produced only when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. The intent of the Notrees grant is to demonstrate how energy storage can help overcome this issue, often referred to as ‘intermittency.’
Meeting demand for energy with stored renewable power instead of electricity from conventional generation sites that burn coal or natural gas may also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Wouter Kempen, president of Duke Energy Generation Services, said: “Energy storage truly has the potential to serve as a ‘game-changer’ when it comes to renewable power. Through this project, Duke Energy intends to show that renewables can play an even bigger role in our country’s energy future.”
