Breakthrough Low Cost, Multi Day Energy Storage

NCRES - Breakthrough Low Cost, Multi-Day Energy Storage

Achieving a deeply decarbonized electrical grid based on intermittent renewable energy sources will require a wide range of energy storage technologies. Currently, short-term-duration storage, primarily Lithium-Ion batteries, can shift excess renewable generation to cover loads for periods of several hours.

To drive down fossil fuel generation, long-duration and multi-day energy storage will need to be deployed at scale. Sophie Meyer of Form Energy presents their unique iron air battery storage technology, which can provide 100 hours of dispatchable clean energy. Form will be installing two 10 MW/1,000 MWh battery systems in partnership with Xcel Energy, one of which will be located in Pueblo, Colorado at Xcel’s Comanche Generating station. This project will be the first of its kind in Colorado will demonstrate how long duration batteries can firm up renewables generation and help accelerate the transition from carbon-intensive fossil fuel electrical generation. In addition to providing multi-day storage capability, the iron air technology primarily utilizes safe, cheap, and abundant materials, reducing demand on more critical mineral resources.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:

Sophie Meyer is the Policy Advisor for the Western U.S. at Form Energy, an energy storage company that is developing and commercializing a 100-hour, iron-air battery. In her capacity at Form, Sophie engages with policy makers, regulators, and industry leaders across the West to promote the adoption of multi-day storage technologies and support progress toward a reliable, affordable electricity system capable of running on 100% low-cost renewable energy every day of the year. Prior to joining Form, Sophie led work on distribution interconnection, microgrids, and smart grid issues at the California Public Utilities Commission. She holds a BS in Engineering Physics and MS in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University.

The program was hosted by Peter Eberle, CRES chair and NCRES Program Manager.

A question and answer session followed the presentation, but is not included at the presenter’s request.

TIMELINE:

0:00 Welcome and announcements - Peter Eberle
2:01 Presentation - Sophie Meyer

This program was organized by the Northern Colorado chapter of the Colorado Renewable Energy Society and was recorded at their August 22, 2023 meeting. Contact us at [email protected] or visit us online at https://www.cres-energy.org/.

CREDITS:

Video production by Brian Beinlich, https://brianbeinlich.com.
Intro/outro music: “Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge” by Kevin MacLeod via the Youtube Audio Library. Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...

ABOUT CRES:

For more than 25 years, the Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) and its local chapters have provided education, policy advocacy, and community engagement to accelerate Colorado toward a 100% renewable energy future. CRES is a statewide, non-partisan, non-profit, 501(c)3 membership organization that drives environmental, social, and economic benefits for our communities by promoting all forms of renewable energy, energy efficiency, storage, high-performance buildings, and other low- or zero-carbon solutions.

CRES features several local monthly speaker series throughout the state, provides speakers, experts, and workshops, and weighs in on state energy policy.

Learn more about CRES, membership, and how you can sign up to become a speaker or volunteer by visiting our website at https://cres-energy.org.