On September 27, 2024, the Horizontal Learning Session was led by Engr. Ir-shad M. Jaujohn, a licensed chemical engineer and holder of a Master’s Degree in Energy Engineering. Engr. Jaujohn currently serves as a business researcher and investment officer for energy projects at PNOC.

The session provided an overview of Energy Storage Systems (ESS). “Think of ESS as a high-tech battery for the grid,” remarked Engr. Jaujohn. ESS captures electricity from the grid, renewable energy plants, or conventional sources and stores this energy until it’s needed, then releases it back into the system when required (DOE 2019-08-0012).

During his lecture, he highlighted two primary reasons why energy storage is becoming increasingly crucial as renewable energy development progresses. First, many key renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are intermittent—generating power based on weather conditions rather than demand. Second, numerous transportation systems require energy to be stored and carried with the vehicle. He explained that traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles are challenging to mitigate because they are mobile sources of pollution. Instead, focusing on reducing stationary emissions and centralizing energy production could be a more effective solution.

The session also explored the various applications of energy storage, including utility shaping, power quality management, distributed grids, and automotive systems. Different ESS categories and technologies were discussed as well. One common example is how solar energy is stored: when solar panels absorb sunlight, the generated electricity is directed to household appliances. Any surplus energy charges a battery, making solar power accessible even at night. If additional power is needed, it is drawn from the grid. With ESS, energy can be stored and utilized precisely when required.

Engr. Jaujohn emphasized that such technologies hold significant potential for PNOC. The Philippines is facing an energy crisis, as a major natural gas source—supplying a third of Luzon and serving over 57% of the population—is set to deplete by 2027. This urgency underlines the need to transition to renewable energy. Intermittent renewables like solar and wind pose challenges; however, ESS can stabilize the grid by storing excess energy during high-generation periods and releasing it when production is low. ESS also helps manage peak demand by storing energy during off-peak times and discharging it when demand spikes, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy stability in regions with fluctuating demand and frequent outages. Furthermore, integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with PNOC’s Rooftop Solar PV Systems would enhance their efficiency. BESS can store excess solar energy generated during peak sunlight hours and release it during low generation periods, ensuring a more reliable power supply.

“There is an urgency for us to incorporate battery ESS for a greener future,” stated Engr. Jaujohn. However, despite the growing demand for ESS, the high cost of batteries remains a significant challenge, not only for PNOC but across the industry.

This discussion also touched on the potential of the Hydrogen Economy, which is similarly constrained by cost. While hydrogen is not an energy source but an energy carrier or vector, it must be produced from other sources. On one hand, it can support decentralized production, potentially lowering costs compared to large-scale production. If explored further, the Hydrogen Economy could unlock significant potential due to its diverse production and distribution pathways. Hydrogen can be produced through multiple processes and sources and is already a component in many chemicals widely used in society, extending beyond the power industry. Although energy-intensive, it can act as an effective energy storage medium.

“Energy cannot be created nor destroyed but can be transformed from one form to another,” Engr. Jaujohn stated, referring to the first law of thermodynamics. Despite the extensive potential of ESS, the industry faces two major challenges: high costs and the limited availability of storage technologies. Currently, these obstacles hinder the transition from fossil fuels to ESS.

Nonetheless, affordable and reliable electrical energy storage technologies are vital for transforming our electricity and transportation systems, ultimately reducing our reliance on fossil fuels in the long run.

These discussions reflect PNOC’s commitment to harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources and technologies like ESS in its ongoing projects. By the end of the session, participants gained a deeper understanding of ESS, enabling them to better support these initiatives.