Understanding Energy as Stocks and Flows

Energy is like a stock of capacity to do work, while power is the actual flow of putting that capacity to work. Coal allows accumulation of a stock of energy, whereas renewables tap into a flow of energy. The ability to stockpile energy from renewables is limited without batteries. Batteries are crucial for storing energy, but their capacity is limited, typically working for only a few hours to a day. Therefore, ensuring enough power during challenging times like winter storms is a significant concern in the renewable energy sector.

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