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Energy Storage and Renewable Fuels

Karl / Sanyal · 3 concepts · 5 questions

Concept 1 / 3

Energy Storage — Key Metrics

Power-to-Power efficiency:

η_P2P = W_out / W_in = ∫P_out dt / ∫P_in dt


State of Charge: SOC = C / C_max [%]


Storage technologies:

Technologyη_P2PTimescaleKey feature
Li-ion battery~90%HoursEVs, short-term grid
Pumped hydro~80%Hours–days>90% of global storage
Compressed air~60%HoursSite-dependent
Hydrogen (P2G2P)~35–45%SeasonalLow round-trip, but high energy density
Thermal storage~95%HoursSimple, cheap

Seasonal storage challenge:

Batteries/pumped hydro: efficient for daily/weekly.

For seasonal (summer → winter): only hydrogen/P2G has sufficient capacity.