Speaker
Summary
Energy storage can provide valuable flexibility to power systems and help with the integration of large
shares of variable and uncertain renewable generation. However investment costs remain high for
storage technologies. In addition, there are many competing, often lower cost sources of flexibility.
EASAC’s (European Academies Science Advisory Council) soon to be published report “Valuing
Dedicated Storage in Electricity Grids” considers the scope for the expansion of energy storage in
electricity grids. The current status of electricity storage technologies is reviewed, as well as the
potential impact of recent and expected developments in storage technologies. The talk includes an
overview of existing and potential applications of energy storage within the power system. Modelling
methodologies, including gaps and priorities for further research, and findings from a selection of
modelling assessments are also presented.
In addition to exploring the role of large scale storage systems on transmission and distribution grids to
meet the growing needs for flexibility, this report also pays particular attention to small scale storage
on distribution grids and the growing interest in increased self-consumption, which has different
drivers, different potential applications and different values to the grid.
Energy storage has a potential role providing regulated functions, as well as participating in
competitive markets, and frameworks should exist which allow storage assets to be used for both. As
many other flexibility options exist, it is important that the market design is technology neutral, and
unnecessary barriers to the full participation of energy storage should be removed. The value of
energy storage is highly location and system specific. Storage is highly valuable to isolated systems,
particularly as shares of variable renewables increase. Certain high value niche applications also exist
although the market size is limited. While significant cost reductions and performance improvements
are likely, the current trajectory is not sufficient for wide-scale adoption, at least in the medium term. At
present, there are no viable options for dedicated seasonal energy storage. As such, imbalances at
this scale will be addressed by competing solutions (interconnection, conventional generation,
integrated energy systems) which will also provide significant completion for short-term storage
solutions.
