TORONTO - Ontario is staring down an electricity supply crunch and amid a rush to secure more power, it is plunging into the world of energy storage — a relatively unknown solution for the grid that experts say could also change energy use at home.
Officials with the Independent Electricity System Operator say a key advantage of natural gas generation is that it can quickly ramp up and down to meet changes in demand. Energy storage can provide that same flexibility, those in the industry say. “The space is there, the technology is there, and the willingness among private industry to respond is all there,” he said. “I know of a lot of companies that have been rubbing their hands together, looking at this potential to construct storage capacity.”
In thermal storage, electricity is used to heat water when demand is low and when it’s needed, water stored in tanks can be used as heat or hot water. “Hybrids, storage generation pairings, gives you that opportunity to deal with the variability of renewables, so to store electricity when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing, and use it when you need it to.”
As well, the IESO has its eye on the thousands of mobile batteries in electric vehicles that shuttle people around the province every day but sit unused for much of the time. “Battery energy storage will change the energy industry in the same way and for the same reasons that refrigeration changed the milk industry,” he said.
But they're supposed to be more efficient.. Wonder how future winters are going to be with mostly powered cars on the road.. I think only 1% are driving electric right now.. 🤔😒
The rise in electrical vehicle sales has little or nothing to do with electricity demand. The conservatives cancelled renewable energy projects that were shovel ready and have now been caught with their right wing pants down . Now we are going to pay NG proponents not to produce
And the costs to consumers will skyrocket!!
Remember when Ontario managed demand to protect against supply costs.
I thought our greener future involved usage of less energy?
All the leftists need to ONLY use electricity that is made by wind or sun
Don't worry, the manufacturing will go away once power becomes too expensive. See Europe.
500,000 more immigrants a year fixes this how, Justin?
Another political divisive mess created by Trudeau & Federal government imposing mandatory EV’s that will have a direct impact on Provincial electrical jurisdictions. Provinces will be blamed for rising electricity bills as Trudeau takes credit for saving the planet.
Every province obviously faces the same challenges if the Liberals continue their ideological green agenda. Why are they ignoring the reality that our electrical infrastructure can’t possibly meet their absurd goals? Blackouts inevitable.
Stop selling our power to the states at a loss then. And crank the nuclear reactors. Currently sitting at 20 to 30 percent. We have lots of power here, stop creating a crisis
EV's lose 30 to 65% of Range during Canadian winters and extreme weather patterns. Not to mention rolling Power outages. This winter will be a great example of why Gas powered vehicles will always be required and a Must.
Love it now that ESG folks are involve because it will end really well for us 🤦♂️
Call in PM Blackface he will solve the problem!!!!! Lmfao 🤣
This is why electric cars are not the answer. I don't know what is.....
Not foreseeable?
Does Ontario sell (export) electricity to the USA ? Eh ?