Storage solutions

To fight climate change we need carbon neutral energy production and distribution. For that, renewables such as wind and solar are key. But their supply fluctuates – and still, energy demand has to be met, and the grid has to operate reliably and economically.

While today’s energy producers respond to grid fluctuations by mainly relying on fossil-fired power plants, energy storage solutions will take on a dominant role in fulfilling this need in the future, supplying renewable energy 24/7. It’s already taking shape today – and in the coming years it will become a more and more indispensable and flexible part of our new energy world.

Today, in a variety of cases, battery storage is being used as an efficient method of supplying power when needed. For example, many large offshore vessels or drilling platforms use it for their electricity needs. In power plants, together with mechanical flywheels, batteries are being used for ensuring grid stability, to perform ‘black starts’ (without external power sources) if needed, and support frequency regulation. They are also directly connected to the grid as stand-alone solutions to help with fluctuating power supply and demand. And combining renewables – such as wind farms – with battery storage can successfully manage power depending on current needs.

By mid-century, we envision a nearly completely decarbonized world with power produced from renewable sources only, resulting in efficient power consumption across society, intelligent management of a decentralized power grid, and the wide use of different energy storage technologies. Batteries will be used for short-term storage of electricity, and, for mid-term storage, combinations of thermal and mechanical storage solutions will provide industrial heat and electricity. Also, electrolyzers will turn excess power from renewables into green hydrogen that can be stored long term and turned into electricity or transferred to other sectors of the economy as needed.

The situation energy producers, distributers and industrial consumers find themselves in is by no means easy. They face constant social pressure to decarbonize – and risk ruining their reputation if they appear not to act fast enough. As long as they emit CO₂, they have to pay a hefty price for it. Once energy utilities close fossil-fired power plants, they have to manage stranded assets.

Also, renewable energy producers have to ensure a consistent availability of energy – and in order to do so, they may have to curtail output. And as the share of renewable energy increases year over year, operators are challenged to cost-efficiently match energy supply and demand and ensure grid stability.

But a steady flow of energy is non-negotiable: Industry, like many other sectors of the economy, relies on it in order to ensure its operations run smoothly and without interruption. The production of green hydrogen also requires renewable energy sources, but if none are available, energy still needs to be at hand to manufacture it.

Storing Energy: A major building block for our energy future

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Energy storage refers to the process of capturing energy produced at one time for use at a later time. This is particularly important for balancing supply and demand, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply, and integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which can be intermittent.

Energy storage works by converting energy from its original form into a storable form and then converting it back when needed.

Battery Storage: Batteries store electrical energy in chemical form. When energy is needed, the chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy. This is useful for short-term storage and applications like grid stability and frequency regulation.

Thermal Storage: This involves storing energy in the form of heat. For example, excess electricity can be used to heat a material (like molten salt), which can then be used to generate electricity later.

Mechanical Storage: This includes methods like pumped hydro storage, where water is pumped to a higher elevation using excess electricity and then released to generate electricity when needed. Flywheels are another example, where rotational energy is stored and then converted back to electricity.

Hydrogen Storage: Excess electricity can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. The hydrogen can be stored and later used in fuel cells to generate electricity or for other applications.

Energy storage solutions play a critical role in the transition to a carbon-neutral energy future by enabling the integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the power grid. They store surplus energy generated during periods of high production and release it during periods of high demand or low renewable energy availability, ensuring grid stability and reliability. By reducing the reliance on fossil-fuel-based power generation, energy storage supports decarbonization and helps create a sustainable energy ecosystem.

Battery Energy Storage Systems: Siemens Energy uses it's QstorTM (BESS) solution for short-term electricity storage. This technology is employed in various applications, such as ensuring grid stability, performing 'black starts' (starting up without external power sources), and supporting frequency regulation

Siemens Energy’s BlueVault™ is a lithium-ion battery-based energy storage solution designed for all-electric and hybrid applications in marine, offshore, and industrial settings.

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES):

Siemens Energy employs CAES technology for long-term, grid-scale energy storage. This solution stores surplus energy as compressed air in underground caverns, which can later be released to generate electricity during peak demand. CAES is used for applications such as load leveling, frequency regulation, and integrating renewable energy into the grid efficiently while minimizing carbon emissions.

Green Hydrogen Solutions:

Siemens Energy uses green hydrogen technology to store renewable energy in the form of hydrogen through water electrolysis. This hydrogen can be used across various applications, including decarbonizing industrial processes, fueling hydrogen-powered vehicles, and reconverting to electricity. It also supports energy sector coupling by connecting power, heat, and transport systems.

Decarbonization: Supports the transition to a low-carbon energy future by integrating and optimizing renewable energy.

Resilience: Builds robust and reliable grids capable of handling variability in energy supply and demand.

Sustainability: Ensures regulatory compliance, promotes resource circularity, and minimizes environmental impacts.

Innovation: Leverages advanced technologies, analytics, and decades of expertise to deliver cutting-edge, future-ready storage solutions.

By offering flexible, scalable, and sustainable storage systems, Siemens Energy empowers energy producers, grid operators, and industrial users to achieve their energy transition and sustainability goals efficiently and effectively.

Yes, Siemens Energy offers turnkey solutions and support for the entire lifecycle of an energy storage project. This includes:

Consultation and Design: Tailored solutions based on customer needs and site-specific requirements.

Installation and Commissioning: Ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.

Maintenance: Ongoing support to maximize efficiency and extend the system's lifespan.

Upgrades and Modernization: Future-proofing systems to adapt to evolving energy demands and technologies.

Energy storage solutions for a decarbonized energy system

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Storing Energy: A major building block for our energy future

Energy storage solutions powering decarbonization

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Energy storage solutions for a decarbonized energy system

Why energy storage matters?

Energy Storage Webinar

Why storage is the Swiss Army knife of energy transition

ELEC's world

Energy storage solutions for your challenges

No need to curtail energy

Take advantage of high energy prices

Match supply and demand

Restarts without external power

Maintain grid stability

Fewer stranded assets

Securing continuous operation

Avoiding surplus costs and penalties

Digital optimization

Virtual power plants

Potential benefits of Siemens Energy storage solutions

Storing Energy: A major building block for our energy future

Energy storage solutions powering decarbonization

Get in touch with us

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