Water Reservoirs: A valuable resource for renewable energy
As the UK increasingly relies on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, managing electricity supply and demand presents new challenges. A recent study published in Nature Water from Stanford University suggests that effectively controlling water storage and release in reservoirs can play a significant role in maintaining grid stability.
During periods of high renewable energy production, such as windy or sunny days, reservoirs can store excess energy. In times of high demand, these reservoirs can then release that energy, functioning similarly to batteries and reducing the need for costly battery storage systems.
This method not only enhances energy security in the UK but also helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The study introduces a framework for evaluating the flexibility of water reservoirs in energy management, paving the way for improved collaboration between water management and energy production.
