How giant ‘batteries’ in the Earth could slash your electricity bills

• Long-duration energy storage is essential for 100% renewable energy grids: Solar and wind power often produce excess electricity when demand is low and insufficient power when demand is high. Long-duration storage systems, like pumped storage hydropower, can store energy for extended periods (e.g., 10+ hours), which is necessary for balancing supply and demand.
• Storage technologies can cut electricity costs and enhance resilience: Large-scale long-duration storage could reduce electricity prices by over 70% during high-demand periods. This also helps prevent the need for costly infrastructure like long-distance transmission lines, making the grid more flexible and resilient.
• Innovative storage methods are being developed: New techniques, such as underground air compression and heat storage in concrete, are being explored. These methods, along with existing technologies, could significantly increase the U.S.’s energy storage capacity, aiding the transition to a renewable-powered grid.

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