Nov 25 2009
Duke Energy has received a grant of $22 million from the United States Department of Energy. The grant has been made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which has recommended the installation of large-scale batteries for storing wind energy in one of the company’s Texas wind farms.
Duke Energy and the Department of Energy before releasing any funds will have to agree to the terms and conditions put forward by this grant. Duke energy will receive expert advice from the Electric Power Research Institute throughout the project. Duke Energy will also collaborate with the Energy Reliability Council of Texas to analyze the requirements for the development of this project.
The batteries developed by Duke Energy will possess the ability to store excess wind energy that can later be released during the turning operation of the wind turbine blades and also when the need for electricity increases.
The technology used currently in solar and wind farms throughout the world helps in producing electricity only when there is sunlight or when the wind blows. However, the technology produced by Duke Energy seeks to store energy for future use. This new technology will also help in reducing the emission rate of greenhouse gases. Through this new project, Duke Energy has earned the recognition of initiating the first demonstration of energy storage at a wind farm in Texas.
The Duke Energy sites have 95 operating turbines that can generate 151MW of renewable and pure electricity. Wouter van Kempen, President of Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), remarks that the concept of ‘energy storage’ evolved by Duke Energy projects the vital usage of renewables that would enhance the country’s energy status in the upcoming years.
Duke Energy Generation Services is involved in utilizing renewable energy sources such as wind to develop eco-friendly generation solutions.
Source: http://www.duke-energy.com/