Energy Storage

So its interesting to read about Safaricom's investment in energy storage systems in MarketWatch. Since Nov 2007, Safaricom has been trying out two 5kW VRB Energy Storage Systems (VRB-ESS) purchased through local group Winafrique Technologies Ltd., of Kenya at remote cellular towers.

Energy storage is a key variable in balancing the economical-renewable energy equation. The main problem with such renewable energy sources like sunshine (solar energy) and wind power is the variability of the power source. Effective energy savings are relalized by matching supply and demand - like collecting rain in a water tank that has a tap that can be opened or closed as required.

The basis of the VRB-ESS is a patented vanadium-based fuel cell. Considering the amount of sunshine available in most of northern and northeast Kenya, I would have assumed a few solar farms would have been established by now in that area - they have lots of free land and lots of sunshine thus solar farms don't have to compete with crops or domestic animals. The basic science behind VRB-ESS is quite simple and open. I think KenGen would be interested in partnering right?

P.S. -> a fuel cell is just a battery!

Actually, I wonder what Evereddy Kenya Battery company is upto - anyone in their R&D looking into this vanadium-based fuel cell technology?

And well known for their lead-acid car batteries, Chloride Exide company has engaged in renewable energy business supplying solar and wind based energy solutions. I am curious though as to whether they are looking at developing any large energy storage units to compliment their renewable energy solutions. They have the industrial base and decades of experience in battery manufacture!

Considering the importance of such technology (wind, solar and batteries) to Kenya's energy future, I would think that there is some relavant commerciable research work in Kenyan Universities. I think my next piece may look at some of any such Kenyan research work!