Switch has no energy storage

Does storage reduce the need for transmission capacity and dispatchable renewables?

We observe that storage decreases the need for transmission capacity and dispatchable renewables like biomass while shifting the solar and wind balance (Fig. 5b). Due to the significant drop in curtailment for scenarios up to 20 TWh, less generation capacity is needed to deliver the same energy to the grid.

Do energy storage mandates reduce variability in electricity prices?

We find that energy storage mandates largely reduce the variability in electricity prices, especially for the first 20 TWh of mandates (Fig. 6a). In the 1.94 TWh baseline, 82% of the marginal prices are at 0 $/MWh since for large portions of the year the WECC generates more renewable energy than it needs.

How long does a grid need to store electricity?

First, our results suggest to industry and grid planners that the cost-effective duration for storage is closely tied to the grid’s generation mix. Solar-dominant grids tend to need 6-to-8-h storage while wind-dominant grids have a greater need for 10-to-20-h storage.

How does energy storage affect energy prices?

As energy storage is added to the grid, the high July and December prices are reduced but prices in neighbouring months increase. In the 20 TWh scenario, average marginal prices for July, August, November, December and January range from 52 to 100 $/MWh while other months average 35 $/MWh or less.

Can energy storage reduce the need for transmission expansion?

The ability of energy storage to reduce the need for transmission expansion is significant since transmission expansion is often challenging from a political and regulatory perspective.

Can we reach a net zero electricity grid?

However, reaching an entirely net zero and reliable electricity grid remains challenging 8, 9, 10. Numerous potential solutions to this problem have been studied by researchers 11.