LDES has a battery technology for the better approach

The net zero challenge

Currently, battery storage is only effective for short-term time-shifting and long duration storage is only possible with hydro - reservoir, run of river or pumped storage. However:

  • Most hydro sites are far from major demand centres.

  • Increased deployment of hydro (in itself costly) require significant investment in transmission & network reinforcement (expensive and slow)..

A better approach

Building long duration storage close to key network nodes (transmission or distribution level) reduces the need for new network infrastructure as the storage is sited close to the load. This is:

  • faster to deploy

  • cheaper and

  • greener (without long duration storage we will need material use of gas peaking to balance the networks across seasons)

Practical, reliable long-duration energy storage is essential for facilitating the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. By deploying these systems at scale across network nodes, we can enhance grid stability, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure that energy is available when it is needed most.