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The value of long-duration energy storage under various grid conditions in a zero-emissions future

Author

Listed:
  • Martin Staadecker

    (University of California San Diego
    University of Toronto)

  • Julia Szinai

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Pedro A. Sánchez-Pérez

    (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

  • Sarah Kurtz

    (University of California Merced)

  • Patricia Hidalgo-Gonzalez

    (University of California San Diego
    University of California San Diego)

Abstract

Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is a key resource in enabling zero-emissions electricity grids but its role within different types of grids is not well understood. Using the Switch capacity expansion model, we model a zero-emissions Western Interconnect with high geographical resolution to understand the value of LDES under 39 scenarios with different generation mixes, transmission expansion, storage costs, and storage mandates. We find that a) LDES is particularly valuable in majority wind-powered regions and regions with diminishing hydropower generation, b) seasonal operation of storage becomes cost-effective if storage capital costs fall below US$5 kWh−1, and c) mandating the installation of enough LDES to enable year-long storage cycles would reduce electricity prices during times of high demand by over 70%. Given the asset and resource diversity of the Western Interconnect, our results can provide grid planners in many regions with guidance on how LDES impacts and is impacted by energy storage mandates, investments in LDES research and development, and generation mix and transmission expansion decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Staadecker & Julia Szinai & Pedro A. Sánchez-Pérez & Sarah Kurtz & Patricia Hidalgo-Gonzalez, 2024. "The value of long-duration energy storage under various grid conditions in a zero-emissions future," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-53274-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53274-6
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