California Looks to Future Energy Storage

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The California Energy Commission recently released a report assessing long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies. The study looked at several models to meet the requirements outlined in legislation and state-wide decarbonization plans.

The report reviewed the California Independent System Operator's (CAISO) ability to generate electrical power well into the next decade, looking primarily at long-duration energy storage systems. The report also looked at the Los Angeles Basin Local Capacity and a case study surrounding the University of California San Diego (UCSD) microgrid. Much of this report will go into helping the California Public Utilities Commission form its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).

The first part of the report addresses the generation matrix that would follow the requirements of Senate Bill 100 and the in-state zero emissions goals by 2045. The study incorporated in the report included a combination of natural gas-fired assets being combined with LDES, a reduced amount of natural gas-fired assets combined with LDES, and then a complete zero emissions scenario. All three scenarios spell out the need for LDES integration as the capacity ranges from one scenario to another.

The second part of the study shows that, indeed, in specific configurations, localized basins or service areas such as Los Angeles could benefit from the integration of LDES in areas where fossil-fuel generation currently exists, especially when referencing disadvantaged communities.

Finally, in the part of the report surrounding the UCSD microgrid case study, the results showed that currently LDES can be used in microgrids. However, the economics of LDES is not a favored approach compared with gas-fired generators. With more stringent environmental regulations in place, LDES would become a reasonable choice, especially when it comes to market-available pricing or cost offsets during peak time periods for end users.

Another challenge for LDES being integrated with microgrids is the space requirement when coupled with solar photovoltaic assets, especially when it comes to taller buildings.

Currently, lithium-ion is the battery energy storage technology available; there must be advancements outside this type of technology when it comes to long-duration energy storage . Development and advancements in iron, zinc and other types of airflow batteries, compressed air storage, pump storage, and many others have to be made for these goals to be achieved. Battery energy storage systems have to evolve and reach goals such as 12-, 24- and 48-hour duration capabilities.

The study did not account for other technological advancements or implementations, such as advanced nuclear reactor technology, geothermal development or the integration of carbon capture and sequestration.

Reflecting on only one type of energy storage, Industrial Info is tracking more than 7.5 gigawatts of operational battery energy storage systems (BESS). Future project development shows about 21 gigawatts in BESS development in California.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 Trillion (USD).