"Solar energy can now be stored for up to 18 years, say scientists" https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34027647 :
> /? MOST Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage
https://www.google.com/search?q=MOST%3A+Molecular+Solar+Ther... :
> ... Molecular solar thermal energy storage systems (MOST) offer emission-free energy storage where solar power is stored via valence isomerization in molecular photoswitches. These photoswitchable molecules can later release the stored energy as heat on-demand.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C44&q=MOS...
> The technology is based on a specially designed molecule of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen that changes shape when it comes into contact with sunlight.
> It shape-shifts into an ‘energy-rich isomer’ - a molecule made up of the same atoms but arranged together in a different way. The isomer can then be stored in liquid form for later use when needed, such as at night or in the depths of winter.
> A catalyst releases the saved energy as heat while returning the molecule to its original shape, ready to be used again.
> Over the years, researchers have refined the system to the point that it is now possible to store the energy for an incredible 18 years
The Szilard-Chalmers MOST process.
And then at what efficiency? "How the gas turbine conquered the electric power industry" https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38307596#38314851
18 years of energy storage tops CAES Compressed Air Energy Storage, which is less lossy than batteries and ultracapacitors, and probably even molten salt, and maybe gravitational energy storage too?
Though, you could do CAES with captured CO2 and it would be less of an accelerant than standard compressed air. How many CO2 fire extinguishers can be filled and shipped off-site per day?
Can CO2 can be made into QA'd [graphene] air filters for [onsite] [flue] capture?