Role of energy storage systems in energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables

TLDR

The rapid rise of renewable energy and decline of fossil fuels are driven by sustainable energy systems, climate change concerns, and clean energy initiatives, but the fast growth introduces design and operational challenges toward a 100 % renewable goal, with nuclear fusion, artificial photosynthesis, and plant‑based light harvesting offering long‑term solutions and heat/electricity storage devices mitigating the intermittency of solar and wind, while solar‑thermal systems provide heating in subzero climates. The study investigates the role of heat and electricity storage systems in accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. It reviews recent advances in heat and electricity storage technologies that support this energy transition. Energy storage systems enable smooth ride‑through of the shift from hydrocarbon fuels to renewable sources.

Abstract

Abstract We present the role of heat and electricity storage systems on the rapid rise of renewable energy resources and the steady fall of fossil fuels. The upsurge in renewable resources and slump in fossil fuel consumptions is attributed to sustainable energy systems, energy transition, climate change, and clean energy initiatives. The fast growth of renewables brings new design and operational challenges to transition towards 100% renewable energy goal. Energy storage systems can help ride‐through energy transition from hydrocarbon fuels to renewable sources. Nuclear fusion and artificial photosynthesis are the ultimate Holy Grails for permanent clean energy solutions. Plants harvest light and store it in chemical energy to regulate the food supply chain that may be a guideline for an energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Heat and electricity storage devices can account for the periodic nature of solar and wind energy sources. Solar thermal systems for water and space heating are also a viable solution for subzero temperature areas. This study presents the transition of world's energy prospect from fossil fuels to renewables and new advances in energy storage systems.