Dead calm [requirement for wind power generation storage devices]

While wind generation is fast proving to be a valuable option in combating so-called greenhouse effects, hidden costs exist. Extra costs due to additional reserve capacity as well as inefficiencies during conventional plant operation are often ignored. This article analyses wind power production figures for the UK and suggests that economically efficient storage devices could be used to mitigate the uncertainties in wind power generation. Such devices could shift generation from low demand periods to peak demand periods, reduce or even remove the need for additional reserve and change the nature of wind generation from 'reserve sinker' to 'reserve provider'.