LEAD-ACID-BATTERY ENERGY-STORAGE SYSTEMS HOLD PROMISE FOR ELECTRIC UTILITIES

From Osaka to Berlin to Milwaukee, lead-acid battery energy storage systems have been proven as a technology well-suited for answering the growing demand for electric energy around the world. By storing surplus electricity during periods of low demand, for discharge during periods of high demand, existing generation and distribution equipment can be utilized to maximum efficiency, and the need for controversial new facilities can be averted. For example, by installing battery energy storage systems at substation locations with growing demand, the cost and environmental impact of new transmission lines to carry increased capacity can be avoided, as well as the cost and impact of more generators to provide that increased capacity. At the same time, peak demand charges are saved with a BESS installation. Yet many of the BESS installations around the world are relatively isolated engineering efforts. To bring this promising technology to the forefront of consideration by electric utilities, a unified, industry-wide effort is needed among battery makers and lead producers. The international Lead Zinc Research Organization, Inc., with its network of industry contacts and established lines of cooperation, has provided the infrastructure for just such an industry-wide technology transfer effort. The window of opportunity is open now for providing proven, lead-acid battery technology as the energy solution for the 1990s and beyond. Through the newly-formed Energy Management Consortium - a group of battery makers and lead producers - we hope to develop the market for lead in this environmentally friendly application.