No. 56: Invest in renewable energy storage systems
No. 56: Invest in renewable energy storage systems
Number 56
This article discusses the environmental and financial benefits of investing in renewable energy storage systems in schools. Using such systems can help schools save money on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, while also providing educational opportunities for students to learn about renewable energy.
Renewable energy storage systems such as solar panels and wind turbines can produce clean energy, which can power the school’s needs. However, these systems are not always able to provide energy consistently, especially in times of high demand. This is where energy storage systems come into play. Energy storage systems such as batteries or hydrogen fuel cells store excess energy generated by renewable energy systems and release it when needed.
Investing in renewable energy storage systems can have significant environmental benefits. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, renewable energy storage systems can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to using fossil fuels. Additionally, renewable energy systems have no emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter, which are commonly found in traditional energy systems.
Aside from the environmental benefits, renewable energy storage systems can also bring financial benefits to schools. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, schools can save up to $400,000 per year on energy bills by investing in renewable energy storage systems. Additionally, some states offer incentives and tax credits to schools that invest in renewable energy systems, which can further reduce the cost of installation.
Furthermore, investing in renewable energy storage systems can also provide educational benefits for students. These systems can be used as teaching tools to educate students on the importance of renewable energy and its impact on the environment. By incorporating these systems into the curriculum, students can learn about the technology and the benefits of renewable energy systems.
One example of a school that has successfully implemented renewable energy storage systems is the University of California, San Diego. The university has installed a 2.8-megawatt solar panel system, which generates over 4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, and a 2.5-megawatt fuel cell system, which provides power during times of high demand. These systems have helped the university reduce its carbon footprint by 10,000 metric tons per year and save $8 million in energy costs.
In conclusion, investing in renewable energy storage systems can have significant environmental, financial, and educational benefits for schools. By reducing their carbon footprint, schools can contribute to a healthier planet and save money on energy bills. Additionally, these systems can be used as teaching tools to educate students on the importance of renewable energy and its impact on the environment. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is essential for schools to take the lead and invest in renewable energy storage systems.
Sources:
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“Energy Storage for Schools: How Clean Energy Storage Can Benefit School Districts and Communities” by Clean Energy Group and Clean Energy States Alliance (2018): https://www.cleanegroup.org/wp-content/uploads/Energy-Storage-for-Schools.pdf
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“The Economic Benefits of Battery Energy Storage System for Commercial and Industrial Customers” by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2019): https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/72432.pdf
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“Assessment of Battery Energy Storage Systems for Large-Scale Applications: A Review” by IEEE Access (2018): https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8414371
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“The Environmental Benefits of Battery Storage: Reducing Emissions and Creating More Efficient Power Systems” by the Union of Concerned Scientists (2018): https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2018/11/Environmental-Benefits-of-Battery-Storage-Full-Report.pdf
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“Solar and Energy Storage for K-12 Schools: Strategies, Benefits, and Case Studies” by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2018): https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/71000.pdf
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“The Role of Energy Storage in Renewable Power Integration” by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2017): https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy17osti/68217.pdf
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“Energy Storage for Schools: An Overview of Available Technologies” by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2019): https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy19osti/73322.pdf
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“The Value Proposition for Energy Storage at Commercial and Industrial Sites” by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2016): https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy16osti/66567.pdf
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“Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Technology Review” by the Electric Power Research Institute (2016): https://www.epri.com/content/dam/epri/docs/2016/07/energy-storage-technology-review.pdf
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