New report examines commercial feasibility of large scale grid-connected energy storage

1090

A new report providing comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges for utility-scale storage is now available for use as guidance for future projects, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced on Wednesday.

Image credit: http://arena.gov.au/
Image credit: http://arena.gov.au/ena

The $1,029,578 report, which examines the commercial feasibility of large scale grid-connected energy storage, was conducted by AGL and project partners ElectraNet and WorleyParsons, with $445,846 support from ARENA through the Energy Storage for Commercial Renewable Integration (ESCRI) project.

ARENA said the project explored commercial frameworks that can be used to operate utility-scale storage within the National Electricity Market (NEM).

“A detailed business case was modelled around a 10 MW / 20 MWh lithium-ion battery connected at the Dalrymple substation on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. South Australia has the highest proportion of renewable energy generation in Australia, making it an ideal location for the investigation,” the Agency said.

“The storage technology examined is not currently commercial. The analysis also found there are several potential revenue streams for utility-scale storage. Revenue is site specific and some revenue streams are traded off against others, making it difficult to capture the full value of each stream.”

To view the full report, go to http://arena.gov.au/files/2016/04/ESCRI-General-Project-Report-Phase-1.pdf.