The study, analyzing Germany's import-export balance of electricity, finds that exports of electricity were highest during production peaks of renewable energy sources, and considering the expansion of renewable energy argues for increased investments in storage and grid extension.
13 August 2012: A study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) on Germany’s import-export balance of electricity has found that production peaks for renewable energy production coincide with electricity exports. It argues for an expansion of storage and grid capacity.
According to ISE Professor Bruno Burger, who conducted the study with data from the week between 30 July and 5 August 2012, “the interconnected European grid increasingly often acts as storage for electricity from renewable sources.” Overall during that week, the import-export balance of electricity was almost zero. Burger further mentions that, considering the increasing amount of renewable energy, which contributed 25% of the electricity generated during the first half of 2012, it is imperative to further intensify efforts concerning storage and grid extension.
The Fraunhofer Institute is an Associate member of the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD), a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) facilitated knowledge network on energy, development, and environment issues. [Fraunhofer ISE Press Release]