[2026] PTE Academic Reading - Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Renewable energy grids are increasingly incorporating energy storage technologies to address the intermittent nature of solar and wind power.Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) represent the most prominent solution, allowing utilities to capture surplus energy generated during peak production hours for later release.However, these systems currently face limitations regarding their capacity and degradation over time, which affects their long-term economic viability.To complement batteries, some regions are exploring pumped hydro storage, which uses gravity to store potential energy by moving water between reservoirs at different elevations.While this method is exceptionally durable and capable of storing vast amounts of energy for long durations, it requires specific geographical features that are not universally available.As technology advances, a hybrid approach combining different storage methods is expected to play a critical role in stabilizing global energy infrastructure.