Finnish project to store 90GWh for district heating
Posted: Sun May 05, 2024 8:59 pm
by Stan
Re: Finnish project to store 90GWh for district heating
Posted: Mon May 06, 2024 12:57 pm
by Mart
Mind blowing, to store a years worth of heating energy for the town is one hell of an investment.
I'm not sure how much total storage the UK will need for a 100% RE/low carbon grid, but perhaps 2 weeks worth(?) So whilst seasonal storage probably isn't needed, if PV panel costs keep falling, then being able to absorb cheap excess into something like this, would help, I'm sure.
Also improves the economics of even greater overcapacity of PV, by helping to stabilise prices (a bit) in the summer by adding some extra variable/flexible demand, and in the winter, thanks to that extra PV capacity.
Just checked, and Dinorwig has a capacity of 9.1GWh*, so 'cheap' thermal storage options might be very useful in helping to mop up excess wind energy (year round) too, that would otherwise be curtailed.
*I appreciate the 90GWh thermal storage here is 'only' 120MW, whereas Dinorwig is 1.8GW, but horses for courses, if enough storage schemes are rolled out.