A recent article argues against the notion that widespread home battery storage can replace the need for new electricity infrastructure in the U. S. The author, Jonathan Lesser, explains that while batteries can store electricity, they do not produce it. With the anticipated increase in electricity demand from electrifying vehicles and heating, the push for battery storage coupled with solar and wind energy is seen as overly optimistic, or "magical thinking. "
Lesser emphasizes that battery installations alone will not reduce the requirement for more transmission lines to transport the necessary electricity from large-scale renewable sources, which are often far from urban areas. Upgrading local distribution systems to cope with increased electricity use will also be essential.
The costs associated with building enough battery storage to prevent outages are enormous. For example, with average household consumption and considering the electrification of heating and vehicles, daily electricity needs could double. A typical electric vehicle (EV) adds significant annual energy consumption. To manage peak demand, homes would need substantial battery storage, possibly requiring multiple Tesla Powerwall units per household costing billions to implement nationwide.
Lesser points out that Tesla currently lacks the capacity to produce enough Powerwalls quickly, predicting it would take centuries to outfit all U. S. homes. Additionally, extracting the necessary materials for batteries would demand extensive mining operations.
While it’s technically possible for a reliable electric grid powered mainly by renewables and batteries, the financial and physical barriers make this scenario unlikely with current technology. He urges utilities to clarify the feasibility of this energy strategy, suggesting that ignoring economic realities can lead to impractical expectations. The complexity of electricity systems is often underestimated, leading to misleading beliefs about the simplicity of transitioning to a fully electrified and renewable-powered grid.
https://wattsupwiththat.com/2024/11/23/the-home-based-battery-storage-fantasy/
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