THE ECONEWS REPORT: Batteries and Achieving 100 Percent Renewable Energy

To reach 100% renewable energy, we will need to store large amounts of energy generated from “intermittent” sources — things like solar or wind that only produce power sometimes. Large-scale industrial battery storage is one method for storing this energy. But a recent fire at the Moss Landing battery facility in Monterey County has some folks concerned. A recent battery proposal in Blue Lake, for example, was met with some skepticism.

On Wednesday, July 23, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., the Redwood Coast Energy Authority, in collaboration with the Schatz Energy Research Center, will host a free public workshop on grid-supporting battery energy storage at the D Street Neighborhood Center (1301 D Street, Arcata). The event will feature a presentation and panel discussion that explores how large-scale utility battery storage works, its role in supporting California’s grid, and how storage projects can differ in purpose, safety, size, and benefits.

Richard Engel of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority joins this week’s show to give a preview of how batteries feature into the Redwood Coast Energy Authority’s work to transition our energy away from fossil fuels.

Listen to this episode here from the Lost Coast Outpost (where you can also read a transcript), Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Buzzsprout.

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The EcoNews Report is a weekly, half-hour environmental news/chat program broadcast on KHUM Community Radio (104.3-104.7 FM) every Saturday at 10 am PST. Hear from host and EPIC Executive Director Tom Wheeler and esteemed guests. Browse past shows from EPIC's archives, listen to or read transcripts on the Lost Coast Outpost, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Buzzsprout.