Adapting to the Rise of Renewables: The Need for Power System Flexibility
Key Ideas
- The integration of renewable energy sources is increasing the need for flexibility in power systems to ensure reliability, affordability, and cleanliness.
- Hydrogen is emerging as a key player in providing flexibility by addressing seasonal variations, supporting decarbonization in various sectors, and serving as an energy storage medium.
- Projects like the ACES Delta in Utah showcase the enormous potential of energy storage through carbon-free hydrogen production and storage in salt caverns.
- Finding the optimal mix of solutions, including a blend of renewable energy sources, natural gas, and hydrogen, will be crucial in meeting the evolving challenges of the energy transition.
Power systems have always required flexibility to adapt to changes in demand and resource availability. Integrating renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, is posing new challenges as these sources are weather-dependent. The growing share of renewables in power generation is leading to a need for increased flexibility in power systems to ensure reliability, affordability, and cleanliness. Experts highlight the importance of a diverse range of energy technologies to meet this challenge, with a focus on addressing seasonal variations and supporting decarbonization. Green hydrogen is identified as a key player in providing flexibility by offering solutions such as blending with natural gas, supporting hard-to-abate sectors, and acting as an energy storage medium. Projects like the ACES Delta in Utah demonstrate the potential of energy storage through carbon-free hydrogen production. As renewable energy penetration increases, finding the right mix of solutions, including a combination of renewables, natural gas, and hydrogen, will be essential to navigate the evolving energy landscape.