The design space for long-duration energy storage in decarbonized power systems

Wind and solar energy must be complemented by a combination of energy storage and firm generating capacity. Here, Sepulveda et al. assess the economic value and system impact of a wide range of possible long-duration energy storage technologies, providing insights to guide innovation and policy. Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is a potential solution to intermittency in renewable energy generation. In this study we have evaluated the role of LDES in decarbonized electricity systems and identified the cost and efficiency performance necessary for LDES to substantially reduce electricity costs and displace firm low-carbon generation. Our findings show that energy storage capacity cost and discharge efficiency are the most important performance parameters. Charge/discharge capacity cost and charge efficiency play secondary roles. Energy capacity costs must be <= US$20 kWh(-1) to reduce electricity costs by >= 10%. With current electricity demand profiles, energy capacity costs must be <= US$1 kWh(-1) to fully displace all modelled firm low-carbon generation technologies. Electrification of end uses in a northern latitude context makes full displacement of firm generation more challenging and requires performance combinations unlikely to be feasible with known LDES technologies. Finally, LDES systems with the greatest impact on electricity cost and firm generation have storage durations exceeding 100 h.

Automated summary

Wind and solar energy need to be supplemented by energy storage and firm generating capacity. Long-duration energy storage is seen as a potential solution to intermittency in renewable energy generation. The key parameters for the performance of energy storage are energy capacity cost and discharge efficiency. Storage systems with durations exceeding 100 hours have the greatest impact on electricity cost and firm generation.