As renewable energy becomes more popular, many people wonder if the existing infrastructure is good enough to keep those power sources running smoothly during emergencies.

Strong Storms Can Increase Wind Power Output

When potentially violent storms approach, some energy infrastructure managers wonder if the best action is to shut down wind turbines until the intense weather eases. However, a three-year study of winter storms and how they affected wind turbines in Southeastern Europe showed that’s not always necessary. The results indicated wind power output was most significant during high-impact winter storms in the studied region.

However, people intending to install wind turbines in areas frequently hit with severe storms must ensure the materials and workmanship can withstand the conditions.

Another revelation is that offshore wind turbine arrays can slow hurricane winds, preventing them from reaching maximally destructive intensities. Companies are also building turbines specifically to withstand extreme conditions. One typhoon-resistant model installed in the South China Sea can handle winds of more than 134 miles per hour for 10 seconds.

Solar Panels Increase Power Reliability in Emergencies

Homeowners and business leaders choose solar power for various reasons. In addition to the sustainability aspect and tax credit potential, people can sell extra power back to the grid, creating a potential income generator.

Solar infrastructure can also help people continue using electricity when emergencies negatively impact the grid. City officials in New Orleans, Louisiana, recently received a federal grant for a solar backup power system at a multiservice center. The $221,375 award is the city’s first in a new initiative to be proactive about disaster preparedness.

The system will be solar-powered with a battery backup system and could take up to two years to plan and design. City officials have yet to determine how they’ll pay for construction costs but have identified potential avenues.

Using Solar and Battery Backups to Cope With Multiday Outages

A University of California team also explored how effectively solar power and battery backups could provide homes and businesses with power during outages lasting at least three days. The results showed even a simple solar setup with one battery could provide electricity for several days at a time, virtually anywhere in the country.

However, researchers determined that using solar power and batteries to meet heating and cooling needs was more challenging due to varying power requirements. Electric resistance heaters need too much electricity to make a solar and battery backup system feasible. Homes with efficient heat pumps showed better performance.

Generally, researchers found suitability depended largely on a home’s energy efficiency and the type of commercial building. More specifically, single-story retail stores with ample roof space for solar arrays fared much better than denser, multistory buildings. That’s essential information for keeping businesses running and profitable. A grocery store could lose two-thirds of its goods due to a multiday power outage. Emergency backup solutions can prevent that, however.

Another part of the study involved examining 10 real-life past disasters to see how homes equipped with solar power and batteries would have performed. In seven of 10 events, solar arrays that generated 30 kWh were adequate for most residences to handle peak loads and heating and cooling requirements.

Emergencies often strain the grid, leading to blackouts. In an ideal world, such outages would never happen. While that’s an unrealistic hope, Stanford University research shows the increased use of renewables makes disruptions less likely.

It was the first study to focus on grid stability in every state and region that relies on that infrastructure. The researchers ran various simulations associated with the ramping up of solar, wind and geothermal options. The results showed the linking short-term backup batteries that ran four hours or less per charge supported overall grid stability.

Additionally, per-capita household energy costs dropped as much as 79% per year due to transitions to renewable energy. The outcomes revealed that renewable energy could also eliminate blackouts in California and Texas, provide cleaner air throughout the country and be a significant job creator.

Proceed on a Case-By-Case Basis

It’s too short-sighted to say the current infrastructure is sufficient or insufficient for renewables. It depends on numerous factors, including the part of the country or world, the type of weather events and the energy efficiency of homes and businesses. However, the research builds a strong case for the continued pursuit of renewable energy.