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Here is a link to the documents produced for the NZ Battery Project "to explore possible renewable energy storage solutions for when our hydro lakes run low for long periods":

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy/energy-and-natural-resources/low-emissions-economy/nz-battery

I note that in the non-hydro options analysis report by WSP, 1TWh of storage was the minimum storage criteria to cover the dry year problem. The options it recommended for further study are bioenergy (grow & store wood to burn), controlled geothermal, and hydrogen stored as liquid ammonia. Batteries were not recommended for further study due to cost, nor was compressed air storage. Here is the link to that specific document:

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/27128-other-technologies-feasibility-study-options-analysis-report

To put the scale of the storage problem in perspective, at around $1000 per kWh for batteries (e.g. Ruakaka Battery Park, 2024) you're looking at $1 trillion for 1TWh of storage.

Pursuing exponential growth and breaking fewer carbon-to-carbon molecular bonds are not compatible ideas at present, unfortunately...

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