What happens to excess energy on the grid? Answered and closed

trackdaychamp · 28-05-2022 08:28AM #1

Sorry if this is a silly question but I'm more interested now that we've made a big investment in solar PV. Let's say there is a day of massive wind/solar generation and the demand side is less than generation. What happens to that excess generation?

If it's wasted (not good!) then I presume this is why large scale battery storage for the grid is so important as renewables increase and we move away from fossil?

Thanks in advance

Wanderer78 · 28-05-2022 08:32AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058247782/what-happens-to-excess-energy-on-the-grid

unsure if theres interconnects already in place, which would mean energy can be moved from one region to another, but batteries are only one requirement for future storage, it looks like hydrogen will play a critical role in meeting our future storage needs, maybe the most critical

golondrinas · 28-05-2022 08:33AM

They hide the excess so they can declare a shortage and put the prices up again or so it would appear to the untrained eye. There is no heaven or hell now so greed is king.

Wanderer78 · 28-05-2022 08:37AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119125201#Comment_119125201

jaysis, so theres a big hole in the ground, where they hide all of this energy, yea?

magicbastarder · 28-05-2022 08:44AM

You could call turlough hill 'a big hole in the ground' where they hide excess energy, to be fair...

28-05-2022 08:47AM

The voltage and frequency will rise, which will cause the grid to become unstable and collapse. Before that happens they need to reduce supply, the easiest way is with hydro electric were is it 'just' a matter of turning valve. This is why ESB networks etc do not like solar and small independent generators. 'Incompetent' is the term their management have used!

Wanderer78 · 28-05-2022 08:57AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119125235#Comment_119125235

the grid will be fine, we have access to great expertise, and will planned interconnects, we ll have even greater access, we ll be fine, we ll figure it out, yes there will be issues, but.....

Sam Russell · 28-05-2022 11:48AM

Mod: Question answered so thread closed.

What happens to excess energy on the grid? Answered and closed

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