Whether managing a household or running operations, having a plan in place is critical during hurricane season in ERCOT and across the Texas grid.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters in Texas

Texas storms can escalate quickly, impacting electricity service, transportation, and daily operations. For homeowners, this can mean extended outages and safety concerns. For businesses, downtime can lead to lost revenue, disrupted service, and operational challenges.

Proactive preparation helps reduce risk, protect assets, and ensure faster recovery.

Key Steps to Prepare for Hurricane Season

1. Build an Emergency Kit

Every home and business should be equipped to handle several days without power.

• Water and non-perishable food
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers or backup power banks
• First aid supplies and essential medications

Businesses should also include printed contact lists, backup communication tools, and critical operational documents.

2. Prepare for Texas Power Outages

Severe weather can disrupt service across the grid, making outage readiness essential.

• Fully charge devices before storms arrive
• Set refrigerators and freezers to the coldest setting
• Keep backup lighting easily accessible
• Use surge protection for electronics

Commercial operations should review backup power strategies and contingency plans to maintain essential functions.

For real-time outage information, visit https://chariotenergy.com/outages/

3. Secure Property and Equipment

High winds and heavy rain can cause significant damage if precautions are not taken.

• Secure or bring in outdoor furniture and equipment
• Protect windows and entry points
• Move valuables away from flood-prone areas

Businesses should ensure signage, equipment, and outdoor assets are properly secured to prevent loss or damage.

4. Create a Home and Business Continuity Plan

Clear planning helps households stay safe and businesses stay operational.

• Identify evacuation routes and safe locations
• Establish communication plans for family members or employees
• Assign roles and responsibilities for emergency response

Business continuity planning is especially important for minimizing operational disruptions during prolonged outages.

5. Stay Informed During Severe Weather

Reliable information is key during hurricane season in Texas.

• Monitor local weather alerts and emergency notifications
• Follow official guidance for evacuations and safety measures
• Track power outages and restoration timelines

Stay Ready This Hurricane Season

Preparing early can make a meaningful difference when severe weather impacts Texas communities. With the right plan, both homeowners and businesses can reduce risk, protect what matters most, and recover more quickly.

Chariot Energy supports customers across Texas with reliable resources to stay informed and prepared before, during, and after the storm.

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The panel, moderated by HBJ President and Publisher Traci Pelter, brought together leaders across education, banking, and operations. Joining Krishnan on stage were Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, Chancellor of Houston City College; Caroline Vérot Moore, CFA, Greater Houston Commercial Banking Leader at Regions Bank; Jeff Applegate, Founder and CEO of Texas Injection Molding; and Nubia Perez, CEO and Part-Owner of Gretna Machine Shop. The event was supported by the Greater Houston Manufacturing Association, KHOU 11, Houston Tents and Events, and Prime Systems.

A workforce in transition

The conversation opened on the same problem every Houston manufacturer is wrestling with: a tightening pool of skilled trades.

Dr. Ford Fisher pointed out that the average age of workers in core industrial maintenance roles is about 55, and that demand for new competencies, including automation, robotics, advanced analytics, machining, AI, and cybersecurity, is expanding faster than traditional pipelines can refill them. Houston City College has allocated $10 million to short-term training in manufacturing and high-demand fields, with active partnerships across Apple, Foxconn, and Nvidia.

Jeff Applegate echoed the theme from the shop-floor side, noting that tool and die makers, CNC machine operators, and injection-molding specialists are scarce enough that Texas Injection Molding has had to recruit from outside the region. Applegate also referenced a $60,000 spot electric bill as the kind of event that focuses a manufacturer’s attention on procurement strategy.

Why Texas is “practically an island”

When the conversation turned to long-term power reliability, Krishnan framed the issue in structural terms.

“When it comes to power and electricity, particularly in Texas, the first thing to remember is that we’re practically an island. We have our own power grid which means when it comes to crises, we’re basically on our own,” he said.

He also flagged the scale of the load growth running ahead of the grid. “Our entire electric consumption has grown five-fold. With data centers and crypto-mining, we’re number one or number two in the nation.” Layered on top is weather volatility: “One-in-100-year events are happening every other year. Texas only used to be known for being hot, and all of a sudden we have to worry about winter events as well.”

For commercial customers planning capex around new automation, new facilities, or reshored production lines, that volatility translates directly into procurement risk. Krishnan’s caution to the room was that historical pricing data only tells you so much. “Humans are great managers of yesterday’s risk. What’s going to happen is something we don’t know.”

Buying energy under uncertainty

Krishnan’s recommendation for manufacturers under these conditions is straightforward: stop trying to time the market, and start designing for stability.

“Energy is complex and irrational. When it comes to cost, it’s always good to have predictability through fixed-price contracts using a moving window of pricing, rather than having a floating price. It starts with understanding your consumption. Daytime? Nighttime? Things have changed.”

He noted that the shape of the day has shifted significantly over the past five to ten years. Afternoon peaks that used to drive the highest prices are now being moderated by solar generation, and a facility that runs heavy loads in the afternoon may be in a more favorable position than it would have been a decade ago. The starting point is the same in every conversation: know your load profile, understand the trend, and work with an energy partner that will sit down at the table with you. Chariot’s commercial fixed-rate plans are designed exactly for this profile.

Data, AI, and the path forward

On automation and AI, Krishnan offered both a caution and a reframe.

“Data is the new oil. We need to focus on developing local talent as custodians of good, relevant data,” he said, pointing to Chariot’s position as one of the largest providers of rooftop solar in Texas as a case study in the kind of real, hyper-local datasets students and engineers should be learning from. Our commercial solar buyback program is one place that data shows up directly for business customers.

His closing message to manufacturers worried about the pace of change was that the playbook is the same one good operators have always run. “A lot of things are scary, but don’t worry. Even if it’s a band-aid or duct tape, we’ll figure out something to help you out. AI can tremendously enable and accelerate your growth. It’s when we get behind the curve that things get ugly.”

Houston’s manufacturing economy is still expanding

Applegate closed his portion of the panel with a reminder that Houston’s industrial base is one of the country’s quiet success stories: more than 5,000 manufacturing companies and over 250,000 manufacturing jobs in the region. Caroline Vérot Moore pointed to continued reshoring activity into a business-friendly state, citing Eli Lilly’s $6.5 billion regional investment, supported by a training program San Jacinto College built specifically to meet the company’s needs. Nubia Perez urged business leaders, and their kids, to actually visit a machine shop and see what modern manufacturing looks like.

For our commercial customers, the takeaway aligns with what we are hearing in our own conversations across ERCOT: workforce and infrastructure are the binding constraints on the next five years of Texas manufacturing growth. Energy strategy is one of the few levers operators fully control, and the time to build that strategy is before the next price spike, rather than after it.

We are grateful to the Houston Business Journal and the Greater Houston Manufacturing Association for convening the discussion, and we look forward to continuing the conversation with Houston’s manufacturing community. Operators ready to talk through procurement can request a commercial quote.

Source: “Made in Houston: Building the workforce and infrastructure for manufacturing’s future,” Houston Business Journal, sponsored content presented by Regions Bank, April 12, 2026. Read the full panel transcript at the Houston Business Journal.

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Houston, Texas – March 17, 2026 – Today, Hanwha Energy USA Holdings Corporation (HEUH), a subsidiary of Hanwha Energy, announced it entered into an agreement in mid-February to acquire a natural gas-fired power generation asset in Texas. This transaction represents another step in the company’s ongoing strategic expansion into power generation in the U.S. 

The proposed acquisition includes a 324-MW simple-cycle facility located in ERCOT’s West Zone. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close in mid-April. 

Hanwha Energy is an established gas-fired power generation developer in Korea and across Asia. The planned acquisition builds on the company’s extensive operational expertise in flexible thermal power generation. 

“This asset represents a high-quality, flexible generation resource designed to rapidly adjust output in response to demand in one of the fastest-growing power markets in the United States,” said Joo Yoon, CEO at HEUH. “Our experience developing and operating gas-fired generation allows us to support reliability and meet the increasing demand in ERCOT.” 

The facility is in ERCOT’s West Zone, a region closely connected to the Permian Basin, where abundant natural gas supply and growing industrial activity are driving increased electricity demand. 

The planned acquisition also strengthens Hanwha’s broader U.S. energy platform, which includes Chariot Energy, a Texas-based retail electricity provider.  

“This transaction reflects our long-term commitment to the Texas energy market,” said Inkyu Park, CEO at Chariot Energy. “Subject to closing, the addition of this asset represents Hanwha’s continued investment in the U.S. market, with this facility benefiting ERCOT energy consumers.” 

ERCOT continues to experience significant increases in electricity demand driven by population growth, data center development, and increasing electrification across industries. Flexible natural gas generation remains a critical component in maintaining grid stability while supporting the broader energy transition. 

Additional details will be announced following closing. 

About Hanwha Energy 

Hanwha Energy is a comprehensive power solutions company with a diversified portfolio spanning power generation, storage, infrastructure development, and retail. With an established track record across multiple continents, the company delivers reliable and flexible energy solutions to meet growing market demands and continues to expand its global footprint in key energy markets, including the United States. 

About Hanwha Energy USA Holdings 

Hanwha Energy USA Holdings is the U.S. subsidiary of Hanwha Energy and serves as its investment and incubation platform in the United States. The company develops and delivers integrated energy and power infrastructure solutions, including renewable energy, energy storage, gas-fired power generation, data center infrastructure, and retail electricity businesses, supporting innovative and reliable energy systems across the United States.  

About Chariot Energy 

Chariot Energy is a Texas-based retail electricity provider serving residential and large commercial customers across ERCOT, with plans to enter the PJM market. The company focuses on delivering competitive energy products while supporting the transition to more sustainable, resilient, scalable, and secure energy solutions by leveraging Hanwha’s global capabilities across development, manufacturing, operations, and customer service. 

Media Contact 
Brian Armentrout 

Hanwha Energy USA 

(832) 356-7958

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“We are very proud of our new affiliation with Chariot Energy and to have them as a sponsor for the Groovy,” Sam Houston Race Park Vice President and General Manager Bryan Pettigrew said.  “Chariot Energy has been providing affordable, clean energy for Texans for nearly a decade and their name will be proudly displayed at Sam Houston Race Park.”

The Chariot Energy Groovy brings together a talented field of seven, headed by Ron Stolich’s 2025 Texas Thoroughbred Association Sales Futurity winner It’s All Right.  Hailing from the barn of H. Ray Ashford, Jr., the son of Cairo Prince returns off a layoff, having last been seen winning the Bison Strides Mile at Prairie Meadows.  Iram Diego is in the irons.

Two prior winners at the 2026 Sam Houston Race Park meet will garner plenty of support in the wagering as well.  High Cinco won the My Dandy division of the Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes Series on opening weekend, drawing off late to register a five and one-quarter length score for veteran trainer Danny Pish.  He will once again have Lane Luzzi aboard and races for Gee Family Racing LLC.

Big Time Charlie won a N2L allowance race for Texas-breds 13 days ago, establishing the early pace before authoritatively kicking clear to win by nearly six lengths.  He ran his record to 2-2 in that triumph, and once again figures to be dictating terms to his rivals as the inside speed.  Erik Asmussen is aboard the Karen Jacks trainee who is owned by Diamond W Racing Stables and James Sills.

The Chariot Energy Groovy will be Race 10 on the Houston Racing Festival program.

About Sam Houston Race Park

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Owned by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), the racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions for businesses, group outings and families during racing and the off-season. The track is best known for its award-winning dining and features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options including its Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites and Pavilion Centre. For more information or tickets to upcoming live racing, concerts and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube.

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HOUSTON, TX, (June 10, 2024) – Chariot Energy, a proud member of the Hanwha Group and leading Texas retail electricity provider (REP), announces the achievement of its placement in the Top 3 Favorite Electricity Company category in Houston Chronicle’s 2024 Best of the Best Awards. The other two finalists are Reliant and TXU, both longtime market incumbents which have been well-established in ERCOT for decades.

Best of the Best includes participation from hundreds of businesses vying to become Houston’s ‘best’ business in a wide range of categories from restaurants to financial and home services to hair salons. For Best Electricity Company, twelve providers were nominated between March 25th and April 8th, five of which moved on to the voting round. From there, Houston Chronicle readers voted for their favorites and Chariot is delighted to have been chosen as a top 3 fave. This stands as a meaningful achievement for the company, especially when listed alongside the state’s largest REPs.

The winners of all categories, including Best Electricity Company in Houston, will take place live on July 18. The top three businesses in every category have been invited to attend in hopes to be crowned among ‘Houston’s Best.’ Chariot will be there!

Chariot Energy was also recently named Energy Marketing Conferences’ (EMC) 2024 Retail Electricity Provider of the Year. Chariot is an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB)Accredited Business and part of Hanwha Group, a 2024 Time Most Influential Company.

Update: The results of the 2024 Houston Chronicle Best of the Best Awards have come in! Chariot Energy is honored to have been named a Finalist in the Best Electricity Company category. This is a huge accomplishment that could not have been achieved without the participation and support from Chariot Energy’s incredible customers! Chariot sends a huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone who participated in this year’s voting.

About Chariot Energy

As a proud member of the Hanwha Group, Chariot Energy stands as a top Texas retail electricity provider.  Chariot is solving some of the state’s most complex energy problems by leveraging its affiliate value chain from the manufacturing of best-in-class solar modules and energy storage solutions to the development of utility-scale solar power plants and delivering of sustainable energy solutions to homes and businesses throughout the great state of Texas. Chariot’s value proposition hinges on transparency and simplicity, allowing Texans to easily modernize and simplify their ability to consume 100% clean, renewable electricity.

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HOUSTON, TX, (May 30, 2024) – Hanwha Group, a global conglomerate that delivers transformative, sustainable solutions was recently named to Time100’s 2024 Most Influential Companies List. Chariot Energy is a member of Hanwha Group.

Hanwha, like Chariot Energy, continues its further advancement toward delivering more renewable and sustainable solutions through solar, wind, and clean hydrogen technology. This recognition comes after its accomplishments and expansions in 2023, including receiving approval from American Bureau of Shipping for the world’s first large-scale, carbon-emission-free liquefied natural gas carrier, equipped with an ammonia-fueled gas turbine that is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions from the ship.  

To learn more about Hanwha’s recognition in Time100’s Most Influential Companies of 2024, please visit time.com/6980446/hanwha-group. 

This comes on the heels of Chariot Energy being named Energy Marketing Conferences’ 2024 Retail Electricity Provider of the Year, earning an A+ Accreditation on Better Business Bureau, and earning a Top 5 spot as Houston Chronicle’s Best Electricity Company in Houston all in the last calendar year. 

To learn more about Chariot Energy’s Retail Electricity Provider of the Year Award, please visit chariotenergy.com/blog/chariot-celebrates-invitation-ceraweek-emc-award.  

About Chariot Energy

A proud member of the Hanwha Group, Chariot Energy stands as a top retail electricity provider in Texas, transforming the landscape of Texas’ energy supply and solving some of the state’s most complex energy problems. Through transparent electricity plans, Chariot modernizes and simplifies the way Texans can consume 100% clean, renewable electricity.

To learn more about Chariot Energy please visit www.chariotenergy.com.

About Hanwha Group

Hanwha is South Korea’s seventh-largest business group, with innovative businesses in the areas of energy, ocean, aerospace, finance, and retail & services. Ranked in the Fortune Global 500, Hanwha is a multi-national company with a robust global network of affiliates, allowing the company to leverage synergy to deliver future-ready solutions and impactful innovations that sustainably power industries and communities.

With strong fundamentals in core industries, Hanwha enhances lives through technologies, products, and services. Hanwha’s relentless commitment to sustainability drives our bold innovation, allowing for the creation of transformative solutions for individuals, society, and the planet.

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HOUSTON, TX, (March 21, 2024) – Chariot Energy is leading the charge with grid-edge innovation to solve our state’s biggest energy problems. As a result, Chariot received Energy Marketing Conference’s 2024 Retail Electricity Provider of the Year Award and was invited to speak at top industry event S&P Global’s CERAWeek 2024. Chariot, who provides 100% clean, renewable electricity for thousands of Texans, commemorates these achievements as it sets a precedent for the company’s mission of not only delivering sunshine to all, but displaying itself as a leading electricity market leader in Texas.

Making a Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

“Since the inception of Chariot, we’ve strived to transform the way renewable electricity is perceived in Texas,” said In Kyu Park, Chief Executive Officer at Chariot Energy. “The speaking invitation at CERAWeek 2024 along with the award of Retail Electricity Provider of the Year serves as a testament to our reputation and the hard work from every department and every individual within Chariot in an effort to stay committed to our customers.”

Chariot Energy’s dedication to providing sustainability has been present since day one. Since 2019, Chariot has been delivering on that commitment, delivering 100% Texas-made solar electricity coupled with straightforward, transparent electricity plans to customers day in and day out. The innovation provided to customers via home electricity and grid edge solutions has aided in the growth of the company in the past 5 years.

“Chariot Energy started as a dream to provide sustainable electricity alternatives to Texans looking for solar electricity to power their homes that has expanded to providing new innovative solutions for customers who employ rooftop solar panels, energy storage batteries, or electric vehicle charging at their residence,” said Mohsin Khoja, Chief Operating Officer at Chariot Energy. “Coupled together, our speaking appearance at CERAWeek and the winning of the Retail Electricity Provider of the Year Award from EMC further solidifies our commitment to excellence, as we strive to continue providing best-in-class sustainable solutions to our customers.”

One of Chariot Energy’s lasting, remarkable achievements is surviving Winter Storm Uri in 2021, which crippled large parts of Texas’ grid and left millions without power for days. After Winter Storm Uri, Chariot went on to thrive in the ERCOT market. A gen-tailor with its own 180MW solar power plant in West Texas, Chariot continues to be a leading electricity provider in the market by providing locally sourced, Texas-made solar electricity. Chariot provides access to solar panel installations to interested customers and scaled solar buyback options for customers who do employ those solutions.

Chariot adds the EMC 2024 Retail Electricity Provider of the Year Award to other achievements, such as a Better Business Bureau Accreditation of A+, Top 3 in 2019’s Houston Chronicle Best Electricity Company, and a 4.4 Star Google Rating.

About Chariot Energy

As a proud member of the Hanwha Group, Chariot stands at the forefront of the energy revolution as a Houston-based retail electricity provider.  Chariot is a catalyst for change, transforming the landscape of the Texas energy supply and solving some of today’s most complex energy problems.  Through its straightforward electricity plans, Chariot modernizes and simplifies the way clean energy is consumed and delivered.  By collaborating with its multi-national affiliate companies, Chariot leverages the entire value chain from the manufacturing of leading-edge solar modules and energy storage to the development of utility-scale solar power plants, and finally delivering sustainable energy solutions to homes and businesses.  

Chariot Energy.  Simple. Transparent.  Reliable.

To learn more about Chariot Energy please visit www.chariotenergy.com.

About S&P Global’s CERAWeek

S&P’s CERAWeek is an energy specific conference that brings together global leaders to advance new ideas, insight, and solutions to the biggest industry challenges facing the future of energy. Considered the most prestigious annual energy conference, CERAWeek gathers leaders, such as CEOs and Ministers in energy and utilities across the globe. CERAWeek 2024 explores strategies in navigating transitioning in the energy industry.

About Energy Marketing Conferences

The Energy Marketing Conference (EMC) is North America’s largest and longest-running energy conference, trade show, and gathering of competitive energy executives. Every year, hundreds of energy industry leaders and professionals attend and share stories at our trade show and exhibitor hall. EMC provides the best learning and networking opportunities in the two biggest energy cities in the country, always at an affordable price.

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HOUSTON, January 2, 2024 – Cushman & Wakefield announced today that the firm represented owners Unilev Management and Azrieli Group in leasing a full floor, totaling 16,192 square feet of Class A office space, to Chariot Energy at Galleria Tower 2 in Houston, Texas.

Cushman & Wakefield’s Brad Beasley and Win Haggard represented ownership, while Nick Bockhorn and Cameran Lindee of CBRE represented the tenant.

The long-term lease with Chariot Energy is an example of the strong leasing activity Cushman & Wakefield has experienced at the Galleria Office Towers. Located at 5051 Westheimer Road in Houston, Galleria Tower 2 offers immediate access to both high-end and fast-casual restaurants, as well as the retail and hotel amenities of the Galleria Mall, Houston’s preeminent shopping and dining destination.

“We are proud to welcome Chariot Energy to the Galleria Office Towers,” said Raymond Levy, Co-Founder and Managing Principal for Unilev Capital.  “What’s more, we are very thankful for the continued support of the Houston brokerage community for their efforts on the deals we have closed, such as the Chariot Energy lease.”

Added Beasley, “Chariot Energy is an excellent addition to Galleria Tower 2 and a great example of how Texas is leading the way on renewable energy solutions. We believe the Galleria Office Towers provide tenants with more amenities and opportunities than almost any other comparable project. It is another example of how, more than ever, tenants are seeking office locations and workplaces that provide an array of amenities to both bring employees back to the office and as a tool to attract and retain top talent.”

Chariot Energy, which leased the 14^th floor, plans to relocate to Galleria Tower 2 from Williams Tower in the beginning of 2024.

“This lease agreement underscores our commitment to rapidly expanding in the U.S., to solve some of our most complex energy challenges, starting right here in Texas.  “We are proud to plant our roots in this worldclass facility and appreciate the work from CBRE in helping us find our permanent home,” said Mohsin Khoja, Chief Operating Officer, Chariot Energy.

Unilev Management and Azrieli Group commenced lobby renovations at Galleria Tower 2 in December of 2023 including enhanced access, upgraded finishes throughout and an improved experience for tenants and visitors alike.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in approximately 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2022, the firm reported revenue of $10.1 billion across its core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation and other services. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and more. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.

About Chariot Energy

As a proud member of the Hanwha Group, Chariot stands at the forefront of the energy revolution as a Houston-based retail electricity provider.  Chariot is a catalyst for change, transforming the landscape of the Texas energy supply and solving some of today’s most complex energy problems.  Through its straightforward electricity plans, Chariot modernizes and simplifies the way clean energy is consumed and delivered.  By collaborating with its multi-national partners, Chariot delivers sustainable energy solutions to homes and businesses.  

Chariot Energy.  Simple. Transparent.  Reliable.

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Renewable energy storage is the next big technological breakthrough, and major companies are researching, developing and commercializing energy storage technology. Over the next two decades, the likes of Tesla, GE, and Lockheed Martin will invest $640 billion into this project. 

Let’s talk about what energy storage technology is used for and why it has the potential to alter everything we know about electricity. 

Why is Energy Storage So Important? 

To answer this question, we must first talk about the electricity grid and how it works. The United States consists of three major electricity grids: the Eastern Grid, the Western Grid, and the one in which Chariot Energy currently operates, the Texas (ERCOT) Grid. While the system is massively complex, all three grids are ruled by the basic economic principle of supply and demand. 

Electricity output must always equal input. In other words, however much power the Texas population needs, it gets. No exceptions. The grid operates at a frequency of 60 Hz, but if the grid is stressed because supply is less than demand, the frequency can slightly drop to compensate. If there is more electricity on the grid than people need, then the frequency can raise slightly. But when the frequency of the grid gets really low or really high, it starts to cause problems, with brownouts and blackouts chief among them. 

Renewable energy sources, specifically wind and solar, present a big challenge to how the grid normally operates under fossil fuels. Solar and wind energy are considered intermittent energy sources. Because we can’t control when the sun goes down or when the wind is going to blow, they aren’t constant, so the grid can’t rely on them in times of stress. Conversely, fossil fuels can be burned anytime, but they aren’t good for the environment nor are they sustainable. 

This is the problem that electricity storage aims to solve: How can we deploy electricity from clean energy sources without having to rely on unpredictable weather patterns?

6 Types of Energy Storage Available Today

Traditionally, you may think of batteries as energy storage — and you’d be right! Lithium-ion battery storage is one of the six different ways we can currently back up power. Those include: 

• Pumped Hydroelectric: Not only is this form of energy storage renewable, but it also comprises 94% of all United States energy storage today. Electricity pumps water upstream, and the water is then released downward to spin turbines that generate electricity when we need it. 
• Molten Salt: A highly efficient method, molten salt stores heat energy captured by concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. These plants use highly reflective mirrors to concentrate the sun’s energy to heat salt to a molten state. When energy is needed, the salts heats water to spin steam turbines to create electricity. It’s emissions-free and solar-powered. 
• Batteries: These are giant versions of the metal tubes that power your calculator. But instead of providing a few volts, these batteries store electricity capable of powering thousands of homes. By the end of 2018, the U.S. had 869 MW of installed power capacity and 1,236 MWh of energy capacity.¹
• Compressed Air: When there is more supply than demand for electricity, this method compresses air that can then be released when demand is greater. The compressed air is typically stored underground in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, and it’s emissions-free.
• Liquid Air: Another way of storing air for energy, electricity cools air to a liquid state during the off hours. When demand is up and supply is low, the air expands and evaporates to spin a turbine to create electricity.
• Flywheels: Flywheels store electricity using kinetic energy. Electricity spins a magnetically levitated rotor tens of thousands of times per minute in a vacuum space. This provides a nearly frictionless environment akin to space that can be reconverted back to electricity when demand is high. Because of its inefficiencies, it is the least-implemented storage technology of the six.

The Benefits of Developing Energy Storage Technology

Energy storage technology has the potential to utterly transform how we create, sell and use electricity. The U.S. Department of Energy calls renewable energy storage a “major breakthrough” in electricity distribution. 

In the past, solar and wind weren’t seen as key players in meeting peak electricity demand. The solution was to either shift people’s usage to match when renewables created electricity or give us the control to use power whenever we want. With an effective energy storage infrastructure, solar and wind can and will compete with on-demand energy sources like coal and natural gas. This will only further transition us away from relying on fossil fuels and toward a sustainable, more green future.

Challenges of Energy Storage Deployment

The future does not come without challenges, though. Currently, we lack in all three of the major steps to implementation: 

• Research and development
• Commercialization
• Utilization

Thankfully, the Department of Energy recently announced the $150 million Energy Storage Grand Challenge in July 2020 to address all three issues. By 2030, the Department of Energy aims to create a secure, domestic supply chain that does not depend on foreign sources of “critical materials.”² We’re guessing those critical materials include fossil fuels. 

Emerging technologies like flow batteries, stacked blocks and superconducting magnetic energy storage — as well as further research, development and deployment of lithium-ion batteries — all show promising hope for a brighter, cleaner future. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=44696
2. https://www.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-launches-energy-storage-grand-challenge 

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