Energy Storage Systems on the Renewable Energy Market
Energy storage systems are becoming a key component in the revolution of the renewable energy market. For companies like Electrum, which specialize in solar solutions, solar energy storage systems open up new opportunities and transform how we utilize solar power.
In the following article, we will cover:
The revolution that energy storage systems have brought to photovoltaic technology in the renewable energy market.
The key advantages of these energy storage systems, as well as the challenges related to their selection and effective use.
The innovative MESH4U project, which addresses the growing need for optimizing energy storage and promoting sustainable energy sources on an international scale.
Comprehensive solar solutions offered by Electrum and their benefits for businesses and the environment.
Renewable Energy Instability: A Challenge for the Polish Energy Market
In the past decade, Poland has built thousands of wind and solar power plants with a combined capacity of over 24 GW. Unfortunately, renewable energy sources are characterized by significant instability due to seasonal wind patterns, sunshine mainly in the summer and only during daylight hours, and periodic droughts affecting river water levels.
Gravitational Energy Storage: An Innovative Solution
Gravitational energy storage systems could revolutionize the renewable energy market. These systems operate similarly to pumped-storage hydroelectric plants but replace water with steel blocks lifted by reversible electric motors using steel cables and pulleys. The main advantages of such storage systems are their consistently high efficiency and over 99.9% recyclability.
Energy storage systems are not only a means to balance electricity demand but also a tool for stabilizing power grids. During periods of overproduction, when demand is low, excess energy can be stored. When energy demand rises, storage systems can supply energy to the grid, helping to stabilize voltage and frequency.
Why Are Energy Storage Systems Crucial for Photovoltaics?
Energy storage systems are crucial for solar energy for several reasons:
Optimizing solar energy use: Energy storage systems allow businesses to store excess energy produced by solar panels during the day. This stored energy can be used later or during periods of insufficient sunlight.
Energy independence: With photovoltaic energy storage, businesses can become less dependent on traditional electricity suppliers, leading to greater energy independence and stability.
Cost savings: Although the initial cost of purchasing an energy storage system can be high, long-term savings can be substantial, especially for energy-intensive companies.
How to Choose an Energy Storage System for Solar Power Plant?
Selecting an energy storage system for solar power plant is crucial for effective use of solar energy. Consider the following factors:
Installation size: Take into account the size of the photovoltaic installation and the company’s expected energy needs.
Technology choice: There are various energy storage technologies. The right technology should match the client’s specific needs and requirements.
Cost vs. efficiency: When choosing an energy storage system, consider not only the price but also the efficiency and durability of the device to maximize investment returns.
Industrial Energy Storage and Its Impact on the Market
Industrial energy storage systems are becoming increasingly popular not only among photovoltaic companies but also in other industrial sectors. Their flexibility and ability to store large amounts of electricity make them a key element in building sustainable and efficient energy systems.
Impact of Energy Storage on Power Grid Stability
Energy storage systems can balance fluctuations in electricity production and demand. This is especially important for renewable energy sources, which are characterized by high instability.
Zero-Emission Direction: Energy Storage as a Key to Success
Energy storage systems enable increased connection capacities with minimal costs for expanding the power grid. This facilitates the transition to a zero-emission economy by increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix and phasing out conventional power generation. This should significantly reduce and stabilize energy prices in the country. The conclusion is clear: energy storage systems are a key element in the renewable energy revolution.
MESH4U Project
Electrum, in collaboration with partners, has introduced an innovative hybrid information-energy system that not only enhances the efficiency of electricity storage but also supports the balancing of renewable energy use. This solution stabilizes energy supplies for the Alu-forst manufacturing facility located near Białystok, which uses its own photovoltaic installation.
The MESH4U project, conducted as part of a European initiative in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute, Wrocław University of Technology, and other international partners, aims to ensure stable electricity supplies for other European factories.
One of the key benefits of implementing a hybrid energy-informatics system is reduced operational costs through optimized energy use and intelligent utilization of renewable energy sources.
Advanced algorithms and data analysis enable this solution to predict energy demand and manage production based on renewable energy availability. As a result, it contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promotes effective use of green energy on an international scale.
Effective Energy Storage System
The MESH4U project also addresses key questions about effective energy storage, becoming increasingly significant in the context of the popularization of green energy sources.
Its international scope and alignment with European energy strategies make it a venture of not only local but also global importance. Co-financed by the National Centre for Research and Development, this project is an important step towards sustainable development and competitiveness in the energy sector.
Solar plus Storage Systems – A solution for the future
At Electrum, we understand the importance of providing customers with comprehensive photovoltaic solutions. Our photovoltaic installation schemes with energy storage are tailored to each client’s specific needs and requirements, ensuring optimal performance and savings.
With solar and energy storage system, a company can achieve new heights in sustainable energy production while contributing to environmental protection and reducing operational costs.
Explore our services for more information on our comprehensive photovoltaic solutions for businesses.
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Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind powerthrough the process of water electrolysis. Unlike traditional hydrogen production methods, which rely on fossil fuels, green hydrogen allows for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint. It is a step towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly hydrogen production, which can significantly contribute to combating climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
How is green hydrogen produced?
This exciting energy development is generated through water electrolysis, a process that uses electricity from renewable sources (RES), such as wind, solar, or biomass. During electrolysis, pure water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen produced in this way is green because it is not generated using fossil fuels, but rather renewable energy. This is a promising step towards a more sustainable energy future!
3 Advantages of green hydrogen
Green hydrogen, as a form of hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, offers many benefits:
Cleanliness – Renewable hydrogen is clean and does not emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases during combustion. This is crucial in the fight against climate change and environmental protection.
Versatility – Green hydrogen can be used in many fields. It can power vehicles, heat buildings, store energy, or serve as a raw material for producing other fuels such as ammonia or methanol.
High Energy Density – It is efficient because it has a high energy density. This means more energy can be stored and transported in a smaller space compared to other fuels.
Introducing green hydrogen into our energy ecosystem can contribute to a sustainable future and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Importance of green hydrogen production
The significance of green hydrogen production is crucial for many aspects of the global energy transition and the fight against climate change. It is considered one of the main pillars in achieving climate neutrality. The vision of a sustainable energy future assumes that green hydrogen can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing traditional energy sources.
Challenges in renewable hydrogen production
The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that green hydrogen has the potential to cover up to 19% of global energy demand by 2050. However, to achieve this, several technical, political, and economic conditions must be met, including:
Continuous reduction of production and distribution costs of green hydrogen through the development and scaling of appropriate technologies, infrastructure, and markets.
Increasing investment and support from both the public and private sectors to enable large-scale development of green hydrogen projects.
Establishing common standards and regulations for the quality, safety, and sustainability of green hydrogen production and use at both national and international levels.
In this way, green hydrogen can become a strategic element of the future global energy infrastructure, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Hydrogen Storage Tanks at a Wind Farm
Green hydrogen international – the fuel of the future in Global Energy
Renewable hydrogen is an innovative energy resource with the potential to change the face of global energy. Its production and use can have a huge impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of life for people worldwide. As a company engaged in the Climate Techsector, we aim to set new standards in sustainable development and actively promote green hydrogen as a key element of the energy transition.
Electrum and the energy revolution
Our role as a participant in this energy revolution does not end with declarations – we are involved in practical actions that accelerate the development of green hydrogen infrastructure in Poland. We support innovative R&D projects aimed at improving the efficiency of green hydrogen production and distribution. Our partnerships, both nationally and internationally, allow us to collaborate with leading scientific institutions, technology companies, and governments to jointly develop green hydrogen infrastructure.
Summary – Is it worth investing in green hydrogen?
We are convinced that investing in green hydrogen is not only a step toward achieving climate goals but also an opportunity to create new jobs, develop modern technologies, and increase energy independence in many regions. Therefore, we strive to raise public awareness of the benefits of green hydrogen and promote its widespread use in various sectors of the economy.
Through our commitment to the development of green hydrogen, we aim to be a driving force in the energy transition, bringing real benefits both to the natural environment and society as a whole. We believe that green hydrogen is a key element in the fight against climate change and an essential component on the path to a sustainable energy future.
Wind is one of the cleanest and cheapest sources of renewable energy (RES). In Poland, where more than 70% of electricity comes from coal, the development of wind farms can be a key step towards a green transition and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Wind farms are clusters of wind turbines that harness the power of the wind to generate electricity. How big is the wind energy potential in Poland and what are the benefits of building wind farms?
According to a report by the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA), Poland has the potential to install more than 50 GW of onshore and offshore wind capacity by 2050. This means that wind could cover more than 40% of the country’s electricity needs. Currently, Poland has around 6 GW of onshore wind capacity and plans to build another 11 GW offshore by 2030. This makes Poland one of the leaders in the region in terms of wind energy development.
The construction of wind farms has many benefits for the economy, the environment and society. Firstly, wind farms are a source of cheap and stable energy that does not depend on fossil fuel prices. According to PWEA, the cost of generating energy from wind onshore is around 200 PLN/MWh and offshore around 300 PLN/MWh, while the cost of energy from coal is around 350 PLN/MWh. Secondly, wind farms contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and other pollutants that have a negative impact on human health and climate. According to PWEA, onshore wind farms avoided more than 14 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2019, equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 7 million passenger cars. Thirdly, wind farms create new jobs and income for local communities. According to PWEA, the wind energy sector employed more than 12,000 people in 2019 and could create more than 77,000 new jobs by 2030. In addition, wind farms pay local taxes and fees, which can be used for infrastructure development, education, culture and environmental protection.
Wind farms are therefore an important part of Poland’s RES build-up, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 23% by 2030 and to 50% by 2050. To achieve this, however, appropriate policy and regulation is needed to support investment and public acceptance of wind farms. Some of the challenges faced by the industry are legal restrictions, bureaucracy, public resistance and lack of grid infrastructure. Therefore, dialogue and cooperation between all stakeholders, including government, local authorities, investors, operators, NGOs and residents, is necessary. Only in this way can the full potential of wind energy be realised.
Photovoltaics in Poland is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sectors, and one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to reduce their electricity costs.
The development of photovoltaics in Poland, from the perspective of companies and industry, is an investment with many benefits, both economic and environmental. Here are some of them:
Reduction of electricity bills by up to 90%. On average, electricity costs account for about 20% of a company’s overall expenditure, and in some industries even more. Photovoltaics allow you to produce your own energy, which is cheaper and more stable than that from the grid.
Increased energy independence and security of supply. Photovoltaics ensure that your business continues to operate even in the event of a grid failure or energy unavailability. In addition, thanks to energy storage, surplus energy can be stored for own use.
Improved corporate image and environmental awareness. Photovoltaics is one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly ways of generating energy. By using photovoltaics, a company demonstrates its commitment to climate protection and the reduction of CO2 emissions.
The development of photovoltaics for companies in Poland operates on similar principles to photovoltaics for single-family houses, with some differences. Depending on the power and type of installation, a company can benefit from one of the following solutions:
RES micro-installations of less than 150 kWp – for smaller companies. In this case, the company can benefit from net-metering or net-billing, i.e. the billing of surplus photovoltaic energy to the grid.
Small RES installations from 150 kWp to 1 MWp – for hotels, spas, etc. In this case, the company can sell photovoltaic energy to the grid on the basis of a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), i.e. a long-term agreement to purchase energy at a fixed price.
RES installations above 1 MWp – for production facilities. In this case, the company can sell photovoltaic energy through the RES auction, a support system for renewable energy producers
Photovoltaics for companies is an investment that pays for itself after seven years on average, and sometimes even faster, which is why we are also seeing intensive development in Poland. The development of photovoltaics in Poland will intensify in the coming years. According to the report ‚Photovoltaic market in Poland 2022’, depending on the scenario, the market may grow by as much as 343% relative to 2021, to 34.1 GWp of cumulative capacity in 2027. This growth will be driven by rising electricity prices, the development of the prosumer market, government and EU support, as well as the growing environmental awareness of society and entrepreneurs. Photovoltaics in Poland is therefore becoming not only a beneficial but also a necessary solution for business.
The transformation of the Energy Industry is a key challenge for Poland and the world, as it requires a change in the way electricity and heat are generated and distributed. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, sun, water, and biomass, offer many advantages, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced fossil fuel consumption, and greater energy independence. However, to effectively utilize these sources, a comprehensive approach to planning the acquisition and generation of power is needed, taking into account their variability, dispersion, and costs.
A comprehensive approach to planning the acquisition and generation of power from renewable sources involves the integration of various technologies, systems, and strategies that ensure optimal use of resources and energy demand. Some of these elements include:
Development of smart grids, which enable communication and coordination between producers, consumers, and network operators, as well as automatic adjustment to changing conditions and behaviors.
Introduction of energy storage, which allows for the accumulation of excess energy during periods of low demand and its release during periods of high demand, increasing the flexibility and stability of the system.
Application of demand response systems, which involve encouraging or limiting energy consumption by consumers depending on the availability and price of energy, reducing peak demand and network load.
Use of information and communication technologies (ICT), which enable the collection, processing, and analysis of data on the state and operation of the energy system, improving its efficiency, safety, and quality.
Optimization of renewable energy installations management using modern systems such as EMACS. EMACS integrates data from various sources, such as inverters, meters, sensors, weather and energy market forecasts, and presents it in a clear and intuitive way. EMACS allows for real-time monitoring of renewable energy installations, analyzing their performance and profitability, optimizing their parameters, and planning maintenance. EMACS is also a tool for reporting and auditing, which facilitates compliance with legal and contractual requirements. Thus, EMACS is not only a SCADA system but also a business analysis system that helps owners and operators of renewable energy installations make better decisions and increase their competitiveness in the market.
The transformation of the Energy Industry is a long-term and complex process that requires the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders, such as the government, private sector, social organizations, and citizens. However, it is necessary and possible to ensure sustainable development and a better quality of life for future generations.
