Cost optimal combinations of storage technologies for maximizing renewable integration in Indian power system by 2040: Multi-region approach

Abstract

Preventing an increase in emission intensity requires a transition to a renewable-based electricity system. Wind and solar power are often the major contributors to this transition. The inherently variable nature of the generation pattern of these renewable sources impels the inclusion of storage technologies. But how to combine renewable and diverse storage technologies in a cost-competitive way? This paper addresses this question by constructing the first open-sourced, spatially, and hourly resolved model of the Indian power system and analysing the system for cost-optimal storage combinations. Increasing the renewable share targets from 30% to 75% of electricity supply, the levelized costs and storage technology options for various energy scenarios are assessed. Results show that the system cost of electricity can vary between 3.65 R/kWh and 4.37 R/kWh with the help of transmission expansion and inter-regional coordination. 50% of RES penetration is found to be a critical target beyond which the total annual system cost increments rise sharply. The optimal solution at 50% RES share includes a maximum of 11 GWh of battery and 29.8 GWh of hydrogen storage capacity. Sensitivity analysis shows that cost reduction in the storage technologies results in the lowest system cost even with limited transmission expansion.