The United States energy storage market is booming and that means that there is a need for workers in this field. The market for energy storage, which involves capturing excess energy, for use at a later time, is set to continue to skyrocket in the coming years. We are going to review what energy storage is and why the demand for energy storage workers is on the rise.
What is energy storage?
Energy storage is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time to reduce imbalances between energy demand and energy production. A device that stores energy is generally called an accumulator or battery. Energy storage involves converting energy from forms that are difficult to store to more conveniently or economically storable forms.
Energy storage refers to technologies that can take electricity, store it as another form of energy (chemical, thermal, mechanical), and then release it for use when it is needed. Energy storage allows the flexible use of energy at different times than from when it was generated. Energy storage can increase system efficiency and resilience, and it can improve power quality by matching supply and demand.
Energy storage is a key factor in the U.S. weaning itself off fossil fuels. Many storage platforms allow energy generated by wind turbines and solar panels to be stockpiled for use when demand is high (Marketplace). There are different types of energy storage, but we won’t get into those today. Today, we want to focus on why the demand for energy storage workers is on the rise.
Why is the demand for energy storage workers on the rise?
Due to growing concerns about the environmental impacts of fossil fuels and the capacity and resilience of energy grids around the world, engineers and policymakers are increasingly turning their attention to energy storage solutions. Research published by Wood Mackenzie revealed that between 2019 and 2024, the annual value of the U.S. energy storage market would rise a massive 737% from $645 million to almost $5.4 billion. It was also found that in the first quarter of 2021, energy storage performance was up more than 250% over the same quarter a year ago.
Because of the rapid growth in the energy storage market, there is a need for skilled workers. The demand for energy storage is increasing because storage costs are going down year after year. Energy storage has been found to be a rather inexpensive and efficient way to store clean and renewable energy.
When it comes to increasing the value of clean technologies, storage allows renewable energy to be stored and used later, as needed, rather than at the time that it is generated. This facilitates use of renewable energy during peak periods of high demand, which may not coincide with peak wind or solar production. It also reduces the need to curtail renewable generation as excess generation can be stored for use when demand is high (NCSL).
Are you looking for a position or candidate in the energy storage field?
Working within the storage solutions sector requires transferable skills, the reason for this is that on a project level, there is large crossover between storage projects and other renewable energy projects.
At Mackinnon & Partners, we aim to provide first class candidates to a variety of emerging and established markets with a wealth of knowledge in the renewables, oil and gas, and construction industries both on and offshore. Our senior management has over 40 years of experience in the industry, globally and within the U.S.
Our consultants are sector specialists and passionate advocates for the Renewables Economy. Our team of experts allows us to provide our clients and candidates with exceptional support.
Our clients get world-class recruitment and manpower services. We aim to give clients a seamless and hassle-free recruitment process with the right candidate presented the first time. Contact us today to learn more.
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