
In the Media: Opinion article in Jornal i by INESC ID researcher Rui Castro
Rui Castro, researcher at INESC ID and full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, authored an opinion article published in the newspaper “Jornal i” titled “Energy storage systems in the electrical grid: What are we waiting for?” (“Sistemas de armazenamento de energia na rede elétrica: Estamos à espera de quê?”).
The article discusses the complexity of the electrical power system and its dependence on a wide variety of different generator types each one with its own characteristics, from natural gas, to hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. Rui Castro emphasizes a fundamental constraint regarding the power system, which is that the balance between electricity production and consumption must be met at every second. This restriction is pivotal for the safe operation of the electrical grid.
The article approaches two promising alternatives for energy storage: batteries and hydrogen. The INESC ID researcher acknowledges that it is possible with current battery technology to store and later release large amounts of electrical energy at a national level, but the high cost is still an issue. Nevertheless, the author predicts that soon, as technology advances and the cost of batteries decreases, this will be a competitive and economically viable option for large-scale energy storage. Regarding hydrogen, the production process through electrolysis during periods of low energy consumption is still expensive and inefficient. However, technological advancements are expected to make it viable in the longer term.
Both are considered viable options for energy storage and helpful for power system’s stability, with batteries expected to become competitive sooner. At the same time, hydrogen may be an alternative in the longer term, depending on technological advancements and cost reductions.
According to Rui Castro, Portugal needs to anticipate and prepare a future centered on an electrical system able to rely almost 100% on renewable energy sources. As a closing observation, the INESC ID researcher highlights that it is urgent to invest in efficient energy storage systems. The question is: what are we waiting for?
Full article here.
Upcoming Events
INESC Brussels HUB Winter Meeting | JAN 25-26, 2024, in Porto

The INESC Winter Meeting, organized in collaboration with INESC Holding, is scheduled for January 25th and 26th, 2024, and it will be held in the city of Porto.
On January 25th, the primary goal is to bring together individuals from all five INESC institutes, fostering an environment that encourages networking, forging new connections, and collectively engaging in a forward-thinking exercise regarding the future of our research fields and the positioning of the INESC group within the European landscape.
There will be a welcome lunch, followed by an afternoon dedicated to collaboration, openness, and curiosity. The event will have a participatory approach, and will be guided by Dirk Stockmans, a highly experienced facilitator who has worked for the European Commission for the last 30 years.
Furthermore, all INESC researchers are invited to submit proposals for e-posters to be displayed at the Winter Meeting. Deadline for submissions is December 10 and more information is available here.
On January 26th, a senior administration and management committee will be held. Participants will be selected by each institute administration by invitation only.
If you would to take part on the 25th of January, please register here by November 30th.
The INESC Brussels HUB website will soon share more information about the venue and uptaded agenda.
Preliminary agenda