How is the energy produced by wind turbines stored?
At this point, the electricity produced by wind turbines is used as it is generated or is sent into the electricity grid. However, engineers and scientists are developing technologies to store electricity. Storage technologies include industrial sized batteries, pumped hydro, hydrogen storage and electrolysis, and storing compressed air in large caverns underground which can be released as the energy is needed. When the wind is blowing, the electricity produced by the wind replaces the electricity produced by burning coal or natural gas, which saves fuel and reduces CO2 emissions. Effective storage of the electricity from wind turbines and solar systems would help smooth out the variability of energy produced by the wind and sun.
