Solar energy storage

The big challenge to replacing natural gas and coal with solar (and wind) is the intermittency problem. Batteries may provide some help, but unless and until a technology revolution occurs, they won't be the whole answer. There is increasing interest and investment in thermal energy storage.

"Most people know about lithium-ion battery (chemical) storage and pumped hydro (mechanical) storage. However, thermal energy storage is not well understood or recognised. This is partly due to perceived costs and engineering challenges. However, as concentrated solar thermal plants are built all over the world – 30 are being developed in China alone – the knowledge base is growing."

https://www.juancole.com/2023/04/solar-thermal-through.html

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