Xtreme Power

The Power to Control.

Myths about Energy Storage

Energy storage systems are often mischaracterized due to out-of-date sources and longstanding misconceptions obscuring the technological and economic reality.

  • Passive storage. Today, most people consider energy storage as a means of storing off-peak energy for delivery to the grid during on-peak periods. This view does not take into account the many valuable services that energy storage systems can provide to the grid. While storing cheaper energy from nighttime generation for use during the higher-priced daytime periods is beneficial, but energy storage can accomplish much more. Passive storage is like using your smart phone for only making telephone calls and nothing more.
  • One size fits all. Not all storage needs are the same, and neither are the storage solutions available today. There is a significant variation in performance characteristics and capabilities among competing energy storage technologies.
  • Cannot scale. With a constant emphasis placed on batteries for transportation, some people question these technologies' ability to scale to utility-significant power and energy capacities. Xtreme Power's Dynamic Power Resource® is modular and fully scalable to meet the needs of a given project. 
  • Too new and not ready for commercial operation. Think again! Xtreme Power® has been providing Dynamic Power Resources to the market since 2006. Moreover, hundreds of MW of energy storage systems, not including pumped hydro and compressed-air systems, are in operation throughout the world.
  • Batteries are unsafe and environmentally hazardous. While some storage technologies do create significant risks, Xtreme Power's PowerCell™ is environmentally benign.
  • Flywheels are the best solution for frequency regulation. Xtreme Power's Dynamic Power Resource has a sub-cycle response capabilities and can be sized with a high power-to-energy ratio, both of which are ideal for frequency regulation.
  • Only regulated utilities install storage. Energy storage systems can provide a valuable solution to independent power producers, grid operators, transmission & distribution utilities, and commercial & industrial end users.