Longford author contributes to Royal Irish Society of Chemistry publication

Entitled 'Energy Storage Options and their Environmental Impact', the book was put together by a total of 29 contributors - many of whom are academics from Universities and Institutes of Technology from Germany, Denmark Japan, Britain and Ireland.

One of the contributors is Peter Duffy who lives in Lisduff, Longford, and worked with the ESB for 19 years in various power stations - including the one in Lanesboro.

Peter graduated from University College Dublin (Engineering) and Fordham University, New York (MBA).

After forming Enercomm International consultancy he worked on energy assignments in Ireland, Israel, Croatia, Russia, Serbia and Kosovo, advising the new Government there.

“The Society wanted a person involved who has long and extensive experience in the power business and hence they invited me to participate in the project, with the task of putting energy storage in context in the power sector,” Peter told the Longford Leader.

“The book examines all forms of storage including large-scale batteries, flywheels, supercapacitors plus pumped-hydro and compressed air energy storage.

“It aims to provide a valuable resource for decision-makers, scientists and engineers, energy practitioners and students.”

The reason for the book at this time, according to Peter, is that energy storage is becoming enormously important with the increase in wind, solar PV and ocean energy worldwide.

“Renewable electricity will have an increasing impact in combatting climate change in the years ahead, as economies transition from fossil fuels to renewables.

“Energy storage will play a key role in that transition and beyond in two areas namely - to enable grid operators maintain secure and stable grids, and to help balance supply and demand as renewable generation isn't always there when required.

“With the shift to greater use of renewable energy sources, energy storage is growing rapidly across all parts of the globe including Europe, China, India, the US and Australia,” he said.

“Also, energy storage is being considered in bringing electricity to island and remote communities around the world, in order to stabilize their mini or micro-grid powered by renewables (mainly wind, solar and biomass).
“The application of such technology will help to bring a stable supply of electricity to these people and improve the quality of their lives.”

Peter intends to leave a copy of his book in the Longford Library where students who are undertaking energy projects, or anyone interested in reading it, can avail of it as a useful resource.