Balancing Renewables Requires Big Grid Storage
The Problem with Increased Renewable Energy Integration
Today, India and the rest of the world are committing to increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This is a positive move towards reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. However, this also introduces new challenges to the existing grid infrastructure.
Varied Power Generation Pattern with Renewables
One key challenge is that solar power generation varies widely based on the time of day, season, and even geographic location. Similarly, wind power generation can drop precipitously during calm spells. This unpredictability of renewable energy sources requires storage solutions to balance supply and demand.
Energy Storage Options
Several options for energy storage exist:
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Lithium-ion batteries: most commonly used for residential and commercial solar installations
• Lithium-ceramic batteries: newer option that offers longer lifespan and safer chemistry
• Flow batteries: less widely used but offer lower cost per kWh and longer lifespan
• Solid-state batteries: still in development phase, promising high energy density and fast charging
- Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)
• Stores excess energy by compressing air in underground caverns
Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS)
• Stores excess energy by pumping water between reservoirs
Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES)
• Stores excess energy by cooling air to around -200°C
Thermal Energy Storage
• Stores excess energy using molten salt, inorganic salts, or ceramic materials
Liquid and Gas Phase Heat Energy Storage
• Stores excess thermal energy in a heat battery using molten salts and other phase change materials
• Stores excess heat for use in heating buildings during cold weather
3.
Challenges in Scalability and Affordability
Despite the varied storage options available, the real challenge lies in scalability and affordability. Can the Indian grid infrastructure absorb large scale storage solutions, or is it limited to specific scenarios?
Opportunities for Cost Reduction and Policy Support
Tax benefits and incentives
- 100% accelerated depreciation, for example, to drive adoption of renewable energy infrastructure
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Research grants, tax credits, or green bonds to fund large scale storage projects
3.
Policy Framework for Increased Storage - Long term vision and goals
- Grid codes and regulatory clearances
- Land leasing and acquisition support for massive storage facilities
Way Forward
• Technology driven innovations to improve scalability, affordability, and sustainability
Conclusion
Integrating large-scale renewable energy sources into the Indian power grid requires robust and comprehensive energy storage solutions. Government policies and support frameworks, combined with innovative storage technology, will help accelerate adoption and scalability of renewable energy storage. This balancing of supply and demand is key to achieving a clean, reliable, and resilient Indian energy future.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What are the current applications of battery energy storage?
Lithium-ion and flow batteries are mainly used for residential and commercial solar installations, while sodium and lead-acid batteries find applications in utility-scale renewables.
• Which is a more promising area, Liquid Air Energy Storage or Li-Ceramic Batteries?
Both technologies hold immense potential, but solid-state batteries and LAES research are more actively pursuing long-term solutions for increased renewables integration.
• Will Large Scale Energy Storage increase Peak Demand?
In short term, yes. Storage charges during off-peak and discharges during peak hour, mimicking a mini-reactor. In the long run, increased peak load demand could push further load shedding measures
