Advantages of Applying Large-Scale Energy Storage for Load-Generation Balancing

The continuous development of energy storage (ES) technologies and their wider utilization in modern power systems are becoming more and more visible. ES is used for a variety of applications ranging from price arbitrage, voltage and frequency regulation, reserves provision, black-starting and renewable energy sources (RESs), supporting load-generation balancing. The cost of ES technologies remains high; nevertheless, future decreases are expected. As the most profitable and technically effective solutions are continuously sought, this article presents the results of the analyses which through the created unit commitment and dispatch optimization model examines the use of ES as support for load-generation balancing. The performed simulations based on various scenarios show a possibility to reduce the number of starting-up centrally dispatched generating units (CDGUs) required to satisfy the electricity demand, which results in the facilitation of load-generation balancing for transmission system operators (TSOs). The barriers that should be encountered to improving the proposed use of ES were also identified. The presented solution may be suitable for further development of renewables and, in light of strict climate and energy policies, may lead to lower utilization of large-scale power generating units required to maintain proper operation of power systems.

Automated summary

The continuous development of energy storage technologies in modern power systems is increasingly visible, with various applications including support for load-generation balancing and potentially reducing the number of centrally dispatched generating units needed.