Solar energy is already among us. What are the next steps? Secure supply from batteries, from outer space?
- Art Dam
- Sep 30, 2024
- 1 min read
Tuesday, 01 October 2024.
Yesterday we commented on the length of the day and its effect on the potential for photovoltaic solar energy generation. From the “midnight sun to daylight saving time.
Today we comment on a new challenge that decarbonization through renewable sources brings: fluctuations in generation.
In the case of solar and wind energy, they depend on when the sun shines and the wind blows, and do not necessarily coincide with consumption peaks. In the case of hydraulic power, it depends on water reserves, which can be problematic during long periods of drought.
An article from last Friday, the 27th, by Dutchnews indicates that for the first time the Netherlands has reached more than half, 53% of its electricity being produced from renewable sources. As a reference, it represented just 26% four years ago, in 2020.
In addition to the Netherlands already following summertime since 1977, making the most of sunshine as described in yesterday's article, the government is now starting to invest in sufficient battery capacity to store energy and release it when necessary.
In other words, practice in countries with vision and resources is showing that the association of batteries with solar and wind energy generation is essential.
And as for the search for less intermittency in the supply of solar energy, there are also very interesting technological paths being investigated by both the European Union and China:
See these articles:
