Towards net-zero emission power system: Deploy long-duration electricity storage technology for power systems with high penetration of renewables

Abstract

In a system with a high number of renewable energy sources, some capacities are expected to be firm, controllable, large scale, and long durational to meet balanced energy and low-carbon demands. Due to such requirements, flexible technologies such as demand response, short-duration storage, and other forms of energy storage (e.g., hydrogen and thermal storage) are emerging; however, little is known regarding the system benefits of long-duration electricity storage or the optimal energy storage portfolio. Pudjianto and Strbac from Imperial College London have filled this gap by analyzing the role and quantifying the value of long-duration electricity storage in facilitating a cost-effective transition to a low-carbon energy system. Their research illustrates the importance of energy storage in influencing long-term system development and enabling a more efficient investment in low-carbon technologies. Most of the benefits are derived from the savings in low-carbon generation investments.