Energibuffers

Energibuffers are devices or systems that store energy to balance supply and demand, smooth short-term fluctuations from variable generation, and provide ancillary services that stabilize electricity networks. They may be physical storage units or controllable loads that temporarily absorb or release energy.

Common forms include electrochemical storage (batteries such as lithium‑ion and flow batteries), mechanical storage (pumped hydro, flywheels), compressed air energy storage, and thermal storage (molten salt, phase‑change materials). Hydrogen or other synthetic fuels can act as long‑duration buffers by converting electricity to chemical energy. In addition, demand-side energy buffering through demand response and coordinated load shifting can serve as a virtual energy buffer.

Operation involves charging during periods of surplus and discharging during deficits, with control systems providing services such as frequency regulation, spinning reserve, voltage support, peak shaving, and black‑start capability. Buffer duration ranges from seconds for high‑power devices to hours for long‑term storage, and selection depends on cost, efficiency, and required response time.

Applications include enabling high penetration of intermittent renewables, stabilizing microgrids, remote or off‑grid installations, and industrial energy management. Pumped hydro remains the largest global storage technology, while grid‑scale batteries have expanded rapidly for fast response and short‑ to medium‑term duration.

Key considerations are cost, round‑trip efficiency, cycle life, environmental impact, siting, and regulatory or market structures that reward storage services. See also energy storage, grid stability, demand response, and peak shaving.