Nadine Cino, Tyga-Box Systems, IncThe classic electric grid design calls for energy to be put on the grid almost in real time, virtually mirroring the rate of consumption.
Simplified, efficient energy use = same input of power onto the grid.
The challenge is managing the grid load so that power supply mirrors consumption demand. A mismatch in either direction results in either (i) energy shortage resulting in grid failure or (ii) energy oversupply resulting in wasted power – hence the need for energy storage.
Predictions are that the market for grid-scale energy storage is expected to pass $68 billion in revenue between 2014 and 2024.
Why is this important to building owners? Because now there’s a market from which building owners can profit for having developed sustainable energy strategies and grid-scale energy storage capabilities.
Given compulsory mandates to reduce energy consumption in the office building sector, owners can view these mandates as an inflection point at which retrofits, possibly in combination with incentives (NYSERDA and/or ConEd as example), dramatically alter their building energy profile such that the building acts as a net positive rather than a net negative factor in relation to the grid.
Who can argue with generating cash flow from new sources?
Nadine Cino, LEED AP, is the CEO and co-inventor of Tyga-Box Systems, Inc., New York, N.Y.
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