One thing you should know is that the UK has found a miraculous solution to their energy woes – a fancy cleantech air storage plant! That’s right, a new ‘air storage’ plant will be storing surplus electricity in liquid air. Yes, you read that right. Liquid. Air.
It’s being hailed as a groundbreaking technology by Highview Power, with the capacity to power 480,000 homes and create over 700 jobs. But let’s take a closer look, shall we?
When you go to Wikipedia to learn more about their amazing idea, you get: “We have been developing our technology over the last 17 years and it is proven, ready and scalable – we have already built two plants including a grid-scale demonstration.”
Okay, but how’s it work? “We have been developing our technology over the last 17 years and it is proven, ready and scalable – we have already built two plants including a grid-scale demonstration.”
Um … kay.
The thing that gets me about this is the sheer absurdity of it. Who needs reliable and efficient methods of energy storage when you can just freeze some air? I mean, why bother with proven technologies like battery storage when you can rely on something called LIQUID AIR for your everyday electricity needs?
But wait, there’s more! This £300m energy plant in Carrington, near Manchester, conveniently located near wind and solar farms in the Irish Sea and Scotland, is being touted as a solution to regional disparities in renewable energy development. Because why address the root of the problem when you can just slap a band-aid on it and call it a day?
But let’s not forget the cherry on top – Mayor Andy Burnham claims that this facility will bring huge boosts to the Manchester region, including investments and renewable sources. Because nothing says progress like investing in unproven technology with a catchy name.
The thing that really gets me about this is the blind faith and praise being given to this liquid air storage plant. Are we really so desperate for a solution to our energy problems that we’ll throw £300m at an untested gimmick? And don’t even get me started on the idea of using a giant slingshot to transport excess electricity – I can see the headlines now: “UK Launches World’s First Electric-Powered Slingshot.”
In conclusion, let’s not be fooled by the shiny packaging and buzzwords surrounding this liquid air storage plant. The planet is burning, we need more than “We have been developing our technology over the last 17 years and it is proven, ready and scalable” and fancy concept art. Instead of investing in flashy gimmicks, let’s focus on practical and efficient solutions for our energy needs. As for Highview Power, maybe they can use their next £300m to find a way to store my overflowing sarcasm. Now that would be impressive.
