The energy transition is in full swing and one of its key challenges is to balance out the fluctuating energy production from renewable energies such as wind and solar. This is where large-scale battery storage systems come into play. These technological marvels are not only exciting, but also indispensable for a sustainable energy future. But what exactly are large-scale battery storage systems and why are they so important? Find out more in this blog post.

Large-scale battery storage systems are high-capacity battery systems that can store electrical energy on a large scale and release it again when required. According to the Frauenhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, large-scale battery storage systems are “large systems that can contribute to system stability” as they can “shift the volatile feed-in of fluctuating renewable energies.”

Unlike conventional batteries, which we find in our household appliances, these storage systems are designed for industrial applications and can store energy in the megawatt range. There is still no industry-standard regulatory basis for defining the capacity above which a battery storage system is considered a large-scale battery storage system.

Typically, these battery systems consist of numerous interconnected battery modules, which are often based on lithium-ion technology, but other technologies such as sodium-sulphur batteries or vanadium redox flow batteries are also used. This diversity makes it possible to adapt the storage solutions optimally to the specific requirements of different applications.

Source:
Frauenhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, position paper “Battery storage at former power plant sites”, page 7 (only available in German)

Grid stability: One of the biggest challenges in the electricity grid is the balance between supply and demand. Renewable energies such as wind and solar are weather-dependent and subject to strong fluctuations. Large-scale battery storage systems can store surplus energy and release it again when required in order to compensate for grid fluctuations and ensure a stable power supply. To avoid grid collapse due to underfrequency, Germany has a 5-step plan for load shedding.

Integration of renewable energies: In order to increase the share of renewable energies in the energy mix, we need to be able to balance out their irregular production. Large-scale battery storage systems make it possible to store surplus energy when production is high (e.g. during strong winds or intense solar radiation) and release it when production is low.

Security of supply: In times of high demand or unforeseen outages, battery storage systems can serve as an emergency reserve. They offer a quick and reliable way of preventing a grid collapse.

Cost reduction: By storing energy, large-scale battery storage systems can help to reduce the cost of peak-load electricity. They make it possible to use electricity when it is produced most cheaply and help to avoid expensive peak loads.

Large-scale battery storage technology is evolving rapidly. Here are some of the most exciting trends:

Advances in battery technology: New materials and technologies, such as solid-state batteries or second-life batteries from electric vehicles, improve the efficiency and service life of storage systems.

Artificial intelligence & big data: By using AI and advanced data analysis, battery storage systems can be operated and maintained even more efficiently. Algorithms optimize charging and discharging processes and thus extend the service life of the batteries.

Hybrid solutions: Combining battery storage with other technologies such as hydrogen storage or supercapacitors opens up new possibilities for energy storage and use.

There are already numerous successful projects around the world that demonstrate the advantages of large-scale battery storage systems:

“Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility” in California: The battery storage facility is considered to be one of the largest battery storage facilities in the world and is located in Monterey County. It has a capacity of 1,600 megawatt hours (MWh) and a peak output of 400 megawatts (MW). This facility is being continuously expanded and has the potential to further increase its capacity in the future.

“Crimson Storage Facility” in California: Another major project is the Crimson Storage Facility, also in California, with a capacity of 1,400 MWh and an output of 350 MW.

“Hornsdale Power Reserve” in Australia: This project in Jamestown (Australia), also known as the „Tesla battery“, is also considered one of the largest lithium-ion battery storage systems with a peak output of 150 MW and has made a significant contribution to improving grid stability in South Australia.

South Korea: South Korea is investing heavily in large-scale battery storage to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and maximize the use of renewable energies. The country has launched several projects that are among the largest in the world. South Korea has already built up considerable storage capacity. By the end of 2022, the country’s storage capacity amounted to around 5.34 GW and is expected to grow to over 36 GW by 2030. This impressive increase demonstrates the country’s determination to massively expand its energy storage infrastructure. One prominent example is the latest tender for energy storage on Jeju Island.

Sources:
energy-storage.news (More information about “Moss Landing Energy Storage”)
Hornsdale Power Reserve (More information about the so-called “Tesla battery”)
Power Technology (To the article “Top five energy storage projects in South Korea”)
Energy Storage News (Further information on South Korea’s project tender on Jeju Island)

Large-scale battery storage systems are a key technology for the energy transition. They offer solutions for integrating renewable energies, stabilizing the power grid and securing the energy supply. The continuous technological development and successful implementations worldwide show the immense potential of this technology. At a time when the world is urgently looking for sustainable energy sources, large-scale battery storage systems could be the decisive building block for successfully shaping the energy transition.◼