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Smart grids: The energy storage problem

Nature volume 463, pages 18–20 (2010)Cite this article

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Renewable energy is not a viable option unless energy can be stored on a large scale. David Lindley looks at five ways to do that.

In February 2008, during a sudden cold snap, the normally relentless winds of west Texas fell silent and the thousands of wind turbines that dot that part of the state slowed to a halt. Local utility operators, unable to make up the shortfall with power from elsewhere in the grid, were forced to cut service to some users for up to an hour and a half before the winds picked up again.

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  1. David Lindley
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David Lindley is a freelance writer in Alexandria, Virginia.

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Electricity Storage Association

KEMA: International Energy Consulting Co

Electric Power Research Institute

Beacon Power

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Lindley, D. Smart grids: The energy storage problem. Nature 463, 18–20 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/463018a

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