Long Duration Energy Storage Council launched

Formed by 25 technology companies, users and investors, the mission of the LDES Council is to replace the use of fossil fuels in meeting energy imbalances with zero-carbon alternatives. 

It will provide guidance to governments and grid operators, and will publish a strategic report on LDES technologies with the aim of enabling global deployment of 85-140 TWh of long duration energy storage by 2040.

This would see dispatchable renewable energy used to eliminate the 1.5 to 2.3 Gt of CO2 produced annually from fossil fuels to meet grid energy imbalances, equivalent to 10-15 per cent of total emissions in today’s power sector.

Founder members of the LDES Council include BP, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, ESS Inc., Form Energy, Highview Power and Siemens Energy. It comprises technology and equipment providers, renewable energy companies, utilities, grid operators, investors and end-customers.

Welcome to The Engineer's Net Zero fortnight

Energy generation with renewables is unpredictable due to the nature of wind and solar power, while energy consumption sees daily peaks around early morning and evening. This misalignment creates periods of shortfall in electricity supply which is currently largely met by burning fossil fuels, especially natural gas.