We need more renewable energy because it does not destroy matter. No amount of fossilized arguments can ever change that. Besides, ‘fossilized’ means archaic and incapable of change, and that’s what carbon and nuclear are. However, battery technology has not evolved to the point where we can shut these outmoded technologies down. In sum, we need hybrid energy until we can catch up.
Why We Need Hybrid Energy from South California Edison
A remarkable development occurred on April 18, 2017. That was the day South California Edison retrofitted lithium battery technology to two gas turbine peaking stations. Their cells reduce diesel warm-up time to almost zero seconds, and cut carbon emissions by 60%.
You see, a standalone gas turbine can take up to half a day to reach full capacity otherwise. And during this time it may belch toxic smoke in the form of greenhouse gases that can affect our long-term health.
How Gas Turbine Technology Took a Leap Forward
California energy authorities discovered why we need hybrid technology, after the 2015 Aliso Canyon gas leak released 100,000 metric tons of methane. This emission continued for 112 days until they finally capped it.
That resulted in a historic decision by South California Edison to increase reliance on renewables in its energy mix. Accordingly, a building half as big as a football pitch now delivers 10 megawatts of electricity from 2,304 lithium-ion batteries containing 18,432 cells.
That’s the equivalent of 18,432 smartphones. Could you imagine how that would look? Their renewable energy system is simple. The grid keeps the 2,304 lithium-ion batteries charged under planned operating conditions. If the grid becomes unstable, the batteries start the gas turbines quickly, delivering power for 45,000 homes. And that’s why we need hybrid technology for now. Because the electricity industry has a duty to keep North Americans warm in their homes this winter.
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Test Case for Grid Storage in California
Peaking Gas Teams Batteries at Edison
Preview Image: Peaking and Base Load Mix
