Long-term energy transition planning: Integrating battery system degradation and replacement for sustainable power systems

The transition towards sustainable energy systems has gained significant importance globally due to high levels of environmental pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels. This study addresses a critical aspect of the global transition towards sustainable energy systems. We emphasize the impact of considering energy storage system degradation and replacement in long-term energy transition planning. The importance of this lies in mitigating the challenges posed by the intermittency and variability of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, without failing to consider the negative effect that excessive use of batteries as a storage energy system would have. We propose an optimization model that integrates power systems generation and transmission infra-structure with strategic energy storage system implementation to optimize their size, operation, and location for maximum efficiency and benefits. This paper offers a comprehensive approach to take into account the envi-ronmental effect of the depth of the discharge and replacement of battery systems over a long-term planning horizon considering hourly operation of representative time periods. The electricity system of Baja California, Mexico, a region heavily reliant on fossil fuels, is presented as a case study to show the applicability of the model. Results demonstrate that continuous replacement of dispatchable generators (natural gas power plants) for non-dispatchable generators (variable renewable power plants) may cause an unexpected increase of indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the continuous replacement of batteries when degradation is not considered. The results of the case study show an average emissions factor of 0.325 Ton CO2eq/MWh, approximately 24 % lower than government expectations, using the proposed MILP model.

Automated summary

This study addresses the importance of considering energy storage system degradation and replacement in long-term energy transition planning, in order to mitigate the challenges posed by the intermittency and variability of renewable energy sources. An optimization model that integrates power systems generation and transmission infra-structure with strategic energy storage system implementation is proposed to optimize their size, operation, and location for maximum efficiency and benefits.