The headlines are alarming: 

“America’s power grid at risk of buckling this winter” 

“The U.S. power grid isn’t ready for climate change” 

“Nation at risk of winter blackouts as power grid remains under strain” 

While there is legitimate reason for concern about the viability of our national power grid, there are some glimmers of hope as the grid managed to withstand a summer of record high temperatures. And there are some promising ways to preserve our energy resources through storage methods and the strategic use of renewable energy sources. 

The key to not burning out our already overburdened power grid and making smarter use of intermittent renewable energy sources is building up energy reserves. But how do you store energy? We’re glad you asked! We’ll discuss a few of the primary energy storage methods below. 

The Grid 

We use batteries to operate any number of devices in our homes every day, but both the batteries and the devices tend to be small. Grid-scale batteries, however, can be as large as the houses they help supply power to. Yes, batteries—the most common energy storage method—are helping ease the strain on our power grid, and broader, more prudent use and distribution of them may enable us to avert future power crises. 

  • Batteries can store power for later use during spikes in demand, e.g., during heatwaves and cold spells, reducing the likelihood of brownouts and blackouts. 
  • Batteries enable the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into our energy mix by providing a backup power source when solar and wind resources are unavailable. 

Pumped storage hydropower, another means of generating and storing electrical power, involves pumping water back and forth between two reservoirs. The water passes through turbines, creating power, which is then stored and used on demand. 

The Green 

Most of us are already using a form of thermal energy in our own homes: the water heater, which is essentially a water tank. However, plans are underway to use giant subterranean water tanks to supply energy to entire districts. 

The molten salt energy storage method involves temporarily placing hot salt into storage tanks which are also kept hot. The resulting thermal energy is then converted into electricity by using steam turbines. 

We Put the Power in Your Hands 

Situated in the heart of America’s energy industry, The University of Texas Permian Basin has the distinct advantage of being able to draw on local expertise to create first-in-class energy programs. Our AACSB-accredited online graduate degrees and certificates will help you develop skills and techniques based on the latest advances, prepare you to thrive in leadership roles, and set you apart from competing job candidates: 

Online Master of Business Administration with Certificate in Energy Business 

  • Provides a firm grounding in the fundamental business principles of an MBA 
  • Enables you to append “MBA” to your name 
  • Includes a second credential, the energy business certificate, built from specialized courses in the field 
  • Attainable in as little as four semesters (36-45 credits) 
  • Can increase your earnings by 16% 

Online Master of Science in Energy Business 

  • Focuses on the energy business, with special emphasis given to financial principles 
  • Is one of very few online programs of its kind offered in the U.S.  
  • Attainable in as little as four semesters (30 credits) 
  • Can increase your earnings by 16% 

Online Graduate Certificate in Energy Business  

  • Allows you to quickly acquire new energy business skills and credentials 
  • Gives you a master’s program preview without committing to a degree 
  • Attainable in as little as two semesters (12 credits) 

Save Fuel 

Whether you drive a gas-powered vehicle or an electric one, online learning will enable you to save energy by eliminating the commute from your graduate experience. All courses and related activities for these programs are conducted online, and no campus visits are required. That means you’ll save on the commute costs, too. 

Harness new energy expertise and credentials for a stronger career and future. Apply to one of our online energy business programs today! 

Sources: 
https://www.irena.org/Energy-Transition/Technology/Energy-Storage
https://www.nrdc.org/bio/natalie-mcintire/batteries-can-be-game-changer-power-grid-if-we-let-them
https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/pumped-storage-hydropower
https://www.iea.org/energy-system/electricity/grid-scale-storage
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/energy-storage-technology
https://ease-storage.eu/energy-storage/technologies/