The Energy Storage Association has elaborated on the benefits of investing in storage for long term reliability [1]. Some of the benefits include:

Improves grid reliability:  Due to the intermittent nature of renewable sources, even the technologies are unable to operate optimally during low periods and hence, can cause disruptions in power supply. Having storage technologies enables consumers to enjoy an uninterrupted power supply without worries. It also creates room for flexibility in the integration of additional renewable resources and makes it easier to match the load if changes to the existing system are initialised.

Reduced costs: Storage supports cost reduction because the one-time investment made in storage offsets operational costs and disruptions to the power supply which just adds to the bill.

Environmental Benefits: Storage helps in optimising the efficiencies of renewable technologies which consequentially reduces harmful emissions and pollutions.

These benefits highlight the importance of establishing an energy storage system in our industry as we transition towards a more sustainable infrastructure. Hence, there is a need for skilled professionals to research, develop and commercialise the use of energy storage technologies whilst conducting techno-economical feasibility studies on the same. I would like to be a part of this development as it will mean providing a sustainable future for generations to come!