Short-, Medium-, and Long-Duration Energy Storage in a 100% Renewable Electricity Grid: A UK Case Study

Bruno Cárdenas, Lawrie Swinfen-Styles, James Rouse and Seamus D. Garvey
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Bruno Cárdenas: Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Lawrie Swinfen-Styles: Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
James Rouse: Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Seamus D. Garvey: Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 24, 1-28

Abstract: Energy storage will be required over a wide range of discharge durations in future zero-emission grids, from milliseconds to months. No single technology is well suited for the complete range. Using 9 years of UK data, this paper explores how to combine different energy storage technologies to minimize the total cost of electricity (TCoE) in a 100% renewable-based grid. Hydrogen, compressed air energy storage (CAES) and Li-ion batteries are considered short-, medium-, and long-duration energy stores, respectively. This paper analyzes different system configurations to find the one leading to the lowest overall cost. Results suggest that the UK will need a storage capacity of ~66.6 TWh to decarbonize its grid. This figure considers a mix of 85% wind + 15% solar-photovoltaics, and 15% over-generation. The optimum distribution of the storage capacity is: 55.3 TWh in hydrogen, 11.1 TWh in CAES and 168 GWh in Li-ion batteries. More than 60% of all energy emerging from storage comes from medium-duration stores. Based on current costs, the storage capacity required represents an investment of ~£172.6 billion, or approximately 8% of the country’s GDP. With this optimum system configuration, a TCoE of ~75.6 £/MWh is attained.

Keywords: renewable penetration; energy storage capacity; storage duration; grid flexibility; levelized cost of electricity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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