We can use solar energy when it comes,” Dr. Erk Thorsten Heyen, vice president, marketing, sales and finance of Wacker Polysilicon Division of Wacker Chemie AG Read more: Cleveland Daily Banner - Wacker VP Renewable energy is the future . “Typically, the wind is stronger when there is no sun.” But, he said, to move to a point where 60 percent of all energy is from renewable sources, it will be necessary to generate electricity with wind and solar systems when it is available and store it in batteries or hydroelectric plants. Water can be pumped to a higher level during the day and released at night. “You can use the energy from solar cells to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen and use the oxygen to make power or heat,” he said.
“There are many, many different technologies which could be used to store the excess electricity generated when the sun is shining or when the wind is blowing and use it when those conditions don’t exist. All of those technologies are available, but some of them are still a bit too expensive.” But, bringing those costs down will require government policy or utilities such as the Tennessee Valley Authority to move in that direction. "
Cleveland Daily Banner - Wacker VP Renewable energy is the future: "“
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