Liquid Electricity

A major hurdle in optimizing the efficiency of renewable energy systems is finding a way to store the excess energy that’s produced during low demand hours for use later, when demand is at a peak. Now a group of engineers has found a way to convert that power into liquid ammonia that can be used to generate electricity again.

Storing electricity as a carbon-neutral liquid such as ammonia has many benefits. First of all, it’s very stable so it can be stored for long periods of time. In addition, in areas where infrastructures don’t currently exist to transmit power from renewable sources, ammonia can be transported easily and inexpensively via pipeline, railroad or truck.

In the long run, the technology could greatly reduce our dependence on energy imports as well.