The role of energy storage in the uptake of renewable energy: a model comparison approach
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The power sector needs to ensure a rapid transition towards a low-carbon energy system to avoid the dangerous consequences of greenhouse gas emissions. Storage technologies are a promising option to provide the power system with the flexibility required when intermittent renewables are present in the electricity generation mix. This paper focuses on the role of electricity storage in energy systems with high shares of renewable sources. The study encompasses a model comparison approach where four models (GENeSY S-MOD, MUSE, NAT EM, and urbs−MX) are used to analyse the storage uptake in North America. The analysis addresses the conditions affecting storage uptake in each country and its dependence on resource availability, technology costs, and public policies. Results show that storage may promote emissions reduction at lower costs when renewable mandates are in place whereas in presence of carbon taxes, renewables may compete with other low-carbon options. The study also highlights the main modelling approach shortcomings in the modelling of electricity storage in integrated assessment models.
Date Issued
2021-04-01
Date Acceptance
2021-01-11
Citation
Energy Policy, 2021, 151
ISSN
0301-4215
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Energy Policy
Volume
151
Copyright Statement
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This manuscript is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Sponsor
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Shell Global Solutions International BV
Shell Global Solutions International BV
Grant Number
NE/N018656/1
PO 4550182471
PO: 4550182471 (Agr.N.PT77776)
Subjects
Energy
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 112159
Date Publish Online
2021-02-18