This type of storage, whether it be water reservoirs or compressed air, is especially important in Ontario. We have a very strong base supply from our three large nuclear facilities and hydroelectric dams, but the rest is largely made up of wind, solar, and gas.
Because the peak supply from solar is midday and the peak load is often in the evening [1], you're left running the 'peakers' (gas plants) for most of the night to make up the difference. If we were able to store more energy short term, we could conceivably remove natural gas energy production and be 100% green/renewable. As of 2018 we were 96% renewable [2] so it's really not some pipe dream.
And honestly, I'm okay with paying a little more on my energy bill for the next couple years knowing that my province has made the decision to be part of the solution.
Because the peak supply from solar is midday and the peak load is often in the evening [1], you're left running the 'peakers' (gas plants) for most of the night to make up the difference. If we were able to store more energy short term, we could conceivably remove natural gas energy production and be 100% green/renewable. As of 2018 we were 96% renewable [2] so it's really not some pipe dream.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_curve
[2] https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/nrg/ntgrtd/mrkt/nrgsstmprfls/on-en...
And honestly, I'm okay with paying a little more on my energy bill for the next couple years knowing that my province has made the decision to be part of the solution.