A Solar Breakthrough?
Solar and wind energy have long been clean energy alternatives in the production of electricity. However, their usefulness has been limited by the inability to store their power for later use, when the sun isn’t shining and the wind doesn’t blow. Unlike coal-fired, nuclear and hydroelectric plants, solar and wind energy are intermittent and can’t be relied on to continuously generate large amounts of power.
Some energy scientists are now touting what could be a major breakthrough in solar energy storage. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed an unprecedented process that uses solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The oxygen and hydrogen are later recombined inside a fuel cell to generate electricity. Such fuel cells could power a house or car. The scientists hope these fuel cells will be widely available within 10 years.
If this is indeed a viable and effective way to store power, it’s a a major win for the environment and our energy needs. In company engagements, utilities and financiers often argue in favor of continued fossil fuel use - rather than renewable energy - to generate the “base load” electricity needed around the clock. If this new process can transform the way solar energy is stored, companies will have more reason to invest in the sun and less reason to use fossil fuels.
