SnoPUD Working to Enhance Power Storage

Snohomish County Public Utility DistrictGreen power from windmills, water power, solar panels and tidal waves has a major problem.

It’s often generated when it’s not needed, it’s needed when it can’t be generated, and it’s impossible to store in large amounts.

Now the Snohomish County PUD has stepped up to launch a challenging new project focused on solving that problem for utility companies everywhere.

“This project is highly important because it’s a critical step toward being able to solve storage problems on a large scale,” said PUD General Manager Steve Klein. “Many utilities are using batteries to store excess power but there’s no uniform standardization so they’re not interchangeable. Plus, you need a uniform computer software system that will work with a wide range of electric power sources.”

Klein believes the solutions the power generating industry needs may come from the PUD’s team efforts to research and resolve storage issues that have restricted the maximum benefits of today’s expanding green power network.

Read the full story:  John Wolcott, Herald Business Journal, January 30, 2013.