The popularity of solar and wind grows rapidly worldwide. These are the two fastest growing renewable energy sectors in the world but nonetheless they are yet to find the adequate energy storage solution.
These two sources are intermittent energy sources which means that they are not available all the time (the sun doesn't shine during the night and wind also doesn't blow entire time) and are therefore in need of one or more energy storage solutions.
The technology continues to advance and scientists have done many different researches aimed at finding the cheap and efficient energy storage solution. Yet, none of the proposed solutions seem to be commercially viable.
Finding cheap energy storage methods would make solar and wind much more cost-competitive with fossil fuels and help world to fight against over-dependence on fossil fuels.
Among the currently discussed energy storage solutions are storing energy in the form of compressed air that would get pumped into underground reservoirs for storage, using rechargeable batteries and also to combine different power sources in one plant.
The quest for commercially viable energy storage solution(s) is still on, and once done it will unlock the massive potential of solar and wind, representing a major step forward towards the clean energy future.
