Energy storage technologies
From lithium-ion batteries, through pumped-storage power plants, to hydrogen storage - each of these energy storage technologies finds applications in various industrial sectors. The choice of the right solution depends on energy needs, production scale, and the company’s sustainability strategy. In this article, we will explain how different technologies work and where they are best suited.
How does energy storage work?
Energy storage involves storing energy surpluses during periods of low demand and then releasing it when demand increases. These systems operate on various principles – mechanical, chemical, or thermal – depending on the chosen technology. The key goal of storage is to provide flexibility in energy delivery, especially in combination with unstable energy sources such as wind farms and photovoltaic installations.
Energy from RES is characterized by variability – it is produced depending on weather conditions, which leads to fluctuations in power availability on the grid. Energy storage plays an important role in this process by enabling surplus energy to be stored during overproduction periods (e.g., windy or sunny days) and released when demand exceeds current production. This allows companies to avoid purchasing energy during expensive peak periods, leading to significant savings.
What is energy storage used for?
Energy storage in industry has many applications:
- network stabilization - helps smooth out fluctuations in energy supply, especially in regions with a high share of RES,
- cost reduction - companies can store energy when prices are low and use it when it becomes more expensive,
- energy reserve - in case of power outages from the grid, energy storage systems can serve as backup power sources, which is crucial in industrial plants where production continuity is critical,
- emission reduction - energy storage supports CO2 emission reduction when integrated with renewable energy sources, helping companies achieve zero-emission goals.
Energy storage technologies
Depending on needs, available budgets, and production specifics, companies can choose from many available energy storage technologies.
Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion)
How do lithium-ion batteries work?
Lithium-ion batteries store energy chemically, which is converted into electrical energy through chemical reactions between electrodes and lithium ions. This is currently the most commonly used technology, especially in the electromobility sector.
Advantages:
- high energy density,
- fast charging and discharging,
- long lifespan.
Where this technology is suitable:
- electric vehicles,
- energy storage from RES,
- powering storage devices, e.g., forklifts.
Pumped-storage power plants
How do pumped-storage power plants work?
Pumped-storage power plants are a mechanical method of energy storage involving pumping water to reservoirs at a higher elevation during excess energy periods and then generating energy by releasing the water, which drives turbines.
Advantages:
- relatively high efficiency,
- large storage capacity.
Where this technology is suitable:
- mountainous regions, due to natural elevation differences,
- industrial plants with high energy demand,
- production facilities operating continuously.
Flow batteries
How do flow batteries work?
Flow batteries store energy in two tanks with electrolytes that react with each other while flowing through a cell chamber. When energy is needed, the electrolytes flow through a membrane in a special chamber where chemical reactions occur, generating electric current.
Advantages:
- scalability,
- ability to store energy for long periods.
Where this technology is suitable:
- companies with irregular energy demand,
- networks of industrial plants where large amounts of energy need to be stored and managed.
Supercapacitors
How do supercapacitors work?
Supercapacitors store energy by accumulating electrostatic charges. Although their energy capacity is lower than batteries, they have the ability to charge and discharge very quickly.
Advantages:
- short charging and discharging times,
- long lifespan and resistance to charging cycles,
- ability to operate in a wide temperature range.
Where this technology is suitable:
- powering electric vehicles,
- systems requiring rapid energy flow.
Compressed air energy storage (CAES)
How does CAES work?
Electrical energy is used to compress air, which is stored in underground reservoirs. When energy is needed, the air is expanded and drives turbines generating electrical energy.
Advantages:
- high storage capacity,
- use of natural geological formations,
- storage with low energy losses.
Where this technology is suitable:
- stabilization and large-scale energy storage, especially in regions with access to suitable geological structures (e.g., salt caverns),
- plants that need additional energy during peak demand periods.
Thermal energy storage (thermal energy storage)
How do thermal energy storages work?
Thermal energy is stored in materials with high heat capacity (e.g. molten salts, water, or special chemical substances). The energy can be stored as heat and later used to generate electricity or directly for heating.
Advantages:
- high efficiency,
- flexibility,
- integration with renewable energy sources.
Where this technology works well:
- in processes requiring large amounts of heat, e.g. in steelworks, cement plants,
- in heating and cooling systems, storing thermal energy during periods of low demand.
Use of energy storage in various industrial sectors
Heavy industry - in metallurgy, cement plants, or refineries, where energy consumption is enormous, energy storage allows for demand management and cost optimization. Systems based on lithium-ion batteries or hydrogen can support production continuity and reduce CO2 emissions.
Chemical industry - energy storage in flow batteries or Power-to-Gas systems can revolutionize chemical processes. Hydrogen, a high energy density fuel, can support energy-intensive industrial processes.
Food industry - in food production plants, where processes are often energy-intensive and power outages can lead to serious losses, energy storage can play a key role. Use of lithium-ion batteries or compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems allows protection against outages and optimization of energy costs during peak demand periods.
Pharmaceutical industry - in pharmaceutical production plants and laboratories, precise control over production processes requires continuous and reliable energy supply. Energy storage, especially in the form of lithium-ion batteries, can protect against outages and stabilize power systems for precision equipment such as drug mixing and packaging machines.
Logistics and warehousing - these sectors increasingly use automation, leading to growing energy demand. Energy storage can supply power to autonomous warehouse vehicles, automatic sorting systems, and cold storage. In warehouses with variable energy demand, technologies like supercapacitors or lithium-ion batteries can significantly increase efficiency.
Paper industry - paper production is one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes. Energy storage can be crucial in stabilizing power supply, especially where large production machines must operate continuously. Flow batteries may be a suitable solution due to their scalability and ability to store large amounts of energy for longer periods.
Automotive sector - energy storage in car manufacturing plants, especially for electric vehicles, is becoming increasingly important. Energy storage systems based on lithium-ion batteries can support production during power outages and enable charging of electric vehicles directly in factories. Moreover, excess energy from renewable sources can be stored and used later, reducing the carbon footprint of production facilities.
Mining - in the extraction industry, energy storage can help reduce operating costs and increase efficiency. In regions with limited access to the power grid, energy storage can ensure continuity of mining and transport machinery operation. Energy storage based on compressed air (CAES) or flow batteries can store energy produced by local renewable sources, such as wind or photovoltaic farms.
Textile industry - production plants in the textile sector can use energy storage systems to minimize losses caused by power outages and price volatility. By storing energy during low-cost periods, it can be efficiently used during production of clothing, fabrics, and other materials.
Summary
Energy storage technologies play a key role in the industrial energy transformation. The choice of the appropriate technology depends on the specific needs of the facility as well as its sustainable development strategy. Whether we talk about grid stabilization, energy cost reduction, or CO2 emission optimization, energy storage provides flexibility and reliability in energy supply. As renewable energy sources develop and industrial energy needs grow, the importance of efficient storage systems will only increase, enabling companies to operate sustainably and economically.
