Giant Battery Experiments Make Renewable Energy Sources More Feasible For Use In Power Grid

A large barrier to the implementation of renewable energy is the unpredictability of circumstances in which wind or solar energy can be harnessed . In times with clouds or no wind, “the grid,” or the electrical supply system, must rely upon other sources of energy. According to Joyce, an NPR journalist, the grid turns to natural gas plants for fuel. Coal and nuclear plants are considered a poor fit, due to the expenses of turning them on and off with little warning. Simultaneously, the sporadic usage of gas plants does not provide business for them to be financially successful. One long-term solution to this quandary is the creation and implementation of giant batteries, “systems that store excess power to be released as needed” .

In 2011, a group of scientists began developing one such giant battery. It is intended to be a new kind of fluid battery that ultimately would be able to provide power for 2,000 homes based upon “redox flow technologies—which converts chemical energy to electrical currents very quickly” . They have already created a two kilowatt battery that they ultimately plan to create a 20 megawatt-hour battery.

Similarly, there in several years, the company, Rubenius plans to build a giant “energy-storage facility” near the United States-Mexico Border, providing energy to both countries.

Meanwhile, the State Grid Corporation of China in conjunction with BYD car company created a “battery array” that can hold up to 36 mega-watt hours and is complete with a “smart grid transmission system” . This is the largest-scale renewable energy source based battery connected to an energy grid in the world and will be educational to the world as we observe the long-term results.

Regardless of when these giant batteries come out and how successful these prototypes are, they are clearly one strong option for the future of renewable energy and energy as a whole. The exciting technological advances and experiments will continue to astound us and transform our lives into more sustainable, environmentally sound lives.

By Emily Friedman

Beauty Maven Meets Eco Beauty

What Rachel Avalons seminar taught me about the beauty industry…

Whether its dipping into latest Sephora finds or scanning through celebrity looks, my heart has always fluttered just that much more when it comes to beauty. And with being an eco writer, I figured I pretty much knew all there was to about eco beauty.

How to Meet Your Eco Customers’ Needs

If you own an eco-conscious business, getting your target audience’s attention is only part of the pathway to success. Keeping it takes time and dedication and know-how, says Shannon Dunn of Conscious Life Media Limited (CLM)-a company that helps green and eco-conscious businesses to maximize their potential and customer reach.

Estate Agent to the Stars Talks Green

Real Estate mogul to the stars and green home guru, Ann Eysenring knows a thing or two about greening houses-and selling them.

With celebrity clients such as fashion photographer Herb Ritts, Louie Anderson, Russell Simmons and Sally Hershberger , she has built a solid reputation as a savvy agent in the know.

Test Eco Waters at Go Green

Living green can be overwhelming. Where to start? From eco cars and planet-friendly cleaning products to organic wines and veganism, its little wonder many opt to do nothing for fear of not being able to do it all.

Yet its the little steps that add up to mean something big.

The offical poster from last week’s Paris Ethical Fashion Show. Designers such as Lanvin, Givenchy and Chanel contributed to the eco fashion fiesta, which was a resounding success.

A Green Guide to Surviving Thanksgiving

By Shireen Qudosi

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and this year we have a few green additions to our family. With my newly turned eco leaf and with one of our family members going vegetarian, this year Thanksgiving presents a whole new set of challenges.

A World of Eco-Fashion Finds

Eco-fashion finds need not be hard to, well, find. We love ecofashionworld.com, a website dedicated to the hottest and latest must-have environmentally-friendly fashions.

E Magazine Receives Eco Awards

The non-profit environmental magazine, E, received 42 merit awards at last week’s 2009 Eco Awards.

Recognized as America’s premier green publication, it has been a source for in-depth, credible environmental coverage for almost 20 years.

Luxury Retreats Promote Responsible Travel

Eco Luxury, a collaboration of some of the best retreats in the world, is working to change the focus of luxury tourism.

Next Page »