INVESTING IN BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE
A PROMISING FUTURE FOR ENERGY STORAGE
A PROMISING FUTURE
As the world’s largest generator of wind and solar energy, NextEra Energy Resources has earned a reputation for excellence and best-in-class development skills. With our expertise, scale, size and scope of services, we have become a leader in energy storage.
Energy storage is a promising way to store electrical energy so it's available to meet demand whenever needed. Very simply, energy storage systems work by charging and discharging batteries, and are safe and reliable.
ADVANTAGES
Energy storage projects do not require a large area for development and can be scaled to needed size. We typically site a project near existing electrical transmission or distribution systems, and often, close to an existing renewable energy project. This minimizes impact to the surrounding area. These projects offer benefits by:
Providing Clean, Safe and Reliable Energy
Energy storage has a low environmental impact, including:
• No greenhouse gases or other air pollutants;
• No use of water to generate electricity; and
• A renewable supply of energy.
Enhancing the Electrical Grid
Energy storage can balance load on the power grid and is capable of responding much faster than traditional fossil power plants. Energy is stored when demands are low and supplied to the power grid when demands are high.
Helping Integrate Renewable Resources
Operators can more easily bring renewable energy on and off the power grid. This reduces the need for other services that keep the grid in balance.
Potentially Deferring Expensive Upgrades
Energy storage can reduce loads on congested power systems and may defer expensive upgrades. The technology may also reduce the need for new power plants to meet peak energy loads.
How Battery Energy Storage Works
NextEra Energy Resources uses state-of-the-art energy storage systems that are safe and reliable. Here’s how they work:
- A battery management system monitors the equipment to ensure safe, reliable transfer of energy.
- A computerized monitoring system evaluates many factors, such as weather forecasts and power prices, to determine when to use the energy storage system.
- In the charging cycle, energy from the power grid, or from renewable energy sources, is delivered through equipment called inverters. The inverters convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and charge the batteries. Today’s batteries can only store DC.
- When the energy is needed on the power system, the inverters convert the DC from the batteries back into AC.
- This energy is stepped up in voltage and ultimately delivered to the power system.
- From there, the energy is distributed to homes, schools, businesses and other consumers.