How does chemical storage work?

Depending on how it is stored, it can be kept over long periods and is not seasonally dependent like pumped hydro. Chemical storage can add power into the grid and also store excess power from the grid for later use. Alternatively, many chemicals used for energy storage, like hydrogen, can decarbonize industry and transportation.

What is chemical energy storage?

Chemical energy storage is defined as the utilization of chemical species or materials to extract energy immediately or latently through processes such as physical sorption, chemical sorption, intercalation, electrochemical reactions, or chemical transformation. You might find these chapters and articles relevant to this topic.

What are the benefits of chemical storage?

Depending on the mode of storage, it can be kept over long periods. After conversion, chemical storage can feed power into the grid or store excess power from it for later use. Alternatively, many chemicals used for energy storage, like hydrogen, can help decarbonize industry and transportation.

What is rechargeable energy storage?

In recent years, rechargeable energy storage has made significant progress thanks to technologies such as lithium-ion. This development has made chemical storage feasible in large-scale applications, such as electric vehicles and ancillary services for the electricity grid.

Why is energy stored in other chemical forms?

But, energy is also stored in other chemical forms, including biomass like wood, gases such as hydrogen and methane, and batteries. These other chemical forms are key enablers for decarbonization of our electric grid, industrial operations, and the transportation sector.

What can chemical energy storage scientists do for PNNL?

Chemical energy storage scientists are working closely with PNNL’s electric grid researchers, analysts, and battery researchers. For example, we have developed a hydrogen fuel cell valuation tool that provides techno-economic analysis to inform industry and grid operators on how hydrogen generation and storage can benefit their local grid.