Can electrical energy storage help decarbonize the power sector?

Electrical energy storage could play an important role in the deep decarbonization of the power sector by offering a new, carbon-free source of operational flexibility in the power system, improving the utilization of generation assets, and facilitating the integration of variable renewable energy sources (i.e., wind and solar power) , .

Does energy storage deliver value?

In a case study of a system with load and renewable resource characteristics from the U.S. state of Texas, we find that energy storage delivers value by increasing the cost-effective penetration of renewable energy, reducing total investments in nuclear power and gas-fired peaking units, and improving the utilization of all installed capacity.

Does energy storage add value to the grid?

The following are some of the key conclusions found in this analysis: Energy storage provides significant value to the grid, with median benefit values by use case ranging from under $10/kW-year for voltage support to roughly $100/kW-year for capacity and frequency regulation services.

How does storage affect the economic value of electricity?

The study’s key findings include: The economic value of storage rises as VRE generation provides an increasing share of the electricity supply. The economic value of storage declines as storage penetration increases, due to competition between storage resources for the same set of grid services.

How does energy storage reduce electricity generation costs?

Energy storage helps reduce average electricity generation costs primarily by increasing the utilization of the least-expensive low-carbon resource, which in our analysis are wind and solar.

What are energy storage systems?

Energy storage systems (ESSs) deployed at different levels of the electrical grid serve different functions. For example, a BESS located at a distribution substation may offer both ancillary-based and distribution-based benefits.