Intermittency of Renewable Energy

The main limitation of renewable energy is well known: Inconsistent supply. It is fortunate that peaks in demand caused by extreme weather tend to coincide with good conditions for the supply of renewable energy. Extreme temperatures often coincide with wind which brings hot or cold air from different latitudes. Heat waves usually coincide with plenty of sun.

Even so, inconsistent supply is definitely a problem. What to do?

Demand Management

• Smart Metering refers to electricity meters that can adjust the price consumers and businesses pay so that electricity prices flexibly adjust to balance demand and supply. This is already in use for big consumers and can be extended to all consumers.
• Statutory workplace arrangements that allow energy-intensive employers to send employees home with part pay when electricity prices go too high.

Storage of Energy

Here are some well-established examples of renewable energy storage.

• Electric batteries
• Hydro-electric storage refers to using spare energy to pump water uphill into reservoirs. That water can be used when energy is required for normal hydro-electricity.
• Solar thermal power plants work by heating up a body of molten salts or other fluids. This heat is then used to drive turbines which generate electricity. These systems store energy in the form of heat.

Another well-established form of energy storage is hydrogen which is used as a fuel (and also has other uses). While most of it is obtained in a CO2 emitting process, it is also possible to obtain it in a non-emitting process called electrolysis which is becoming increasingly competitive.