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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on MIT Technology Review or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: New air conditioning technologies are being developed to store cooling power, which can alleviate stress on electrical grids during peak demand times
• These systems, like Nostromo Energy's IceBrick, store energy by freezing a water-glycol solution that can later be used for cooling
• Blue Frontier is also innovating with desiccant-based cooling systems that charge and discharge based on electricity availability
🔭 The context: Cooling accounts for 20% of global electricity demand in buildings, and this share is expected to rise as the climate warms
• Traditional air conditioning units significantly stress the grid during peak hours, often leading to blackouts
• New technologies aim to smooth this demand by storing energy when it's abundant and cheaper
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Efficient energy storage in cooling systems can reduce peak electricity demand and reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to lower carbon emissions
• As the world increasingly adopts air conditioning, these innovations could play a crucial role in managing energy consumption and supporting a zero-carbon grid
⏭️ What's next: Companies like Nostromo and Blue Frontier are in the process of securing funding and scaling up their technologies
• Large-scale adoption of these systems could significantly reduce the need for additional renewable energy capacity and large battery installations
💬 One quote: “We say, take the problem, and turn it into a solution,” says Yaron Ben Nun, founder and chief technology officer of Nostromo Energy
📈 One stat: During peak demand hours, air conditioners can account for over 50% of the total demand on the grid in some regions
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