The potential for battery energy storage to provide peaking capacity in the United States. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Denholm, Paul; Nunemaker, Jacob; Gagnon, Pieter; Cole, Wesley
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 151(2020)
• Page Start: 1269
• Page End: 1277
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Energy storage -- Peaking capacity -- Capacity credit -- Solar -- Wind -- Renewable energy; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.11.117
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: Providing peaking capacity could be a significant U.S. market for energy storage. Of particular focus are batteries with 4-h duration due to rules in several regions along with these batteries' potential to achieve life-cycle cost parity with combustion turbines compared to longer-duration batteries. However, whether 4-h energy storage can provide peak capacity depends largely on the shape of electricity demand. Under historical grid conditions, beyond about 28 GW nationally the ability of 4-h batteries to provide peak capacity begins to fall. We find that the addition of renewable generation can significantly increase storage's potential by changing the shape of net demand patterns; for example, beyond about 10% penetration of solar photovoltaics, the national practical potential for 4-h storage to provide peak capacity doubles. The impact of wind generation is less clear and likely requires more detailed study considering the exchange of wind power across multiple regions. Highlights: Storage can reduce the net demand for electricity and replace conventional peaking capacity. The practical potential for 4-h storage as peaking capacity in the U.S. is about 28 GW. This potential increases greatly with increased deployment of solar photovoltaics. This potential is not significant impacted by wind potential.