Australia’s energy storage capacity must increase significantly over coming decades to meet rapidly rising electricity demands, according to a roadmap from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Chief Executive of CSIRO, Larry Marshall said the Renewable Energy Storage Roadmap indicated that the National Electricity Market (NEM) could require a 10- to 14-fold increase in its electricity storage capacity between 2025-2050.
“It also found that while traditional storage technologies (such as batteries and pumped hydro) will continue to play a key role, all forms of energy storage must be considered to meet Australia’s growing demand across multiple sectors,” Dr Marshall said.
“In response to common challenges around decarbonisation and technology readiness, the roadmap examines the role of storage for seven sectors, highlights specific challenges and technology options, and finds that individual sectors favour different storage technologies.”
He said new technologies would be needed to increase penetration of renewables and stabilise the grid while Australia started to build utility scale storage capacity.
Dr Marshall said that over the long-term, storage would accelerate the integration of renewables, enhancing grid stability and reliability and supporting decarbonisation of industries.
“There is no silver bullet for reaching net zero so we need multiple shots on goal, like from renewables, batteries, hydrogen, thermal storage, pumped hydro, sustainable aviation fuels and a host of new science-driven technologies,” he said.
Energy Director at CSIRO, Dietmar Tourbier said the roadmap was a major step towards pinpointing fit-for-purpose solutions for energy storage.
For example, batteries may be the best option for local and short duration storage of electricity while thermal or heat energy (like steam) might be technology better suited for heat intensive industries,” Dr Tourbier said.
“Government and industry have recognised energy storage as a priority,” he said.
“However, significant knowledge gaps remain, requiring further investigation to support informed action.”
CSIRO’s 183-page Renewable Energy Storage Roadmap can be downloaded at this PS News link.
