Role of Long-Duration Energy Storage in Variable Renewable Electricity Systems

Jacqueline A. Dowling; Katherine Z. Rinaldi; Tyler H. Ruggles; Steven J. Davis; Mengyao Yuan; Fan Tong; Nathan S. Lewis; Ken Caldeira

doi:10.1016/j.joule.2020.07.007

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Role of Long-Duration Energy Storage in Variable Renewable Electricity Systems

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Role of Long-Duration Energy Storage in Variable Renewable Electricity Systems

Jacqueline A. Dowling, Katherine Z. Rinaldi, Tyler H. Ruggles, Steven J. Davis, Mengyao Yuan, Fan Tong, Nathan S. Lewis and Ken Caldeira

Joule, Vol.4(9), pp.1907-1928

09/16/2020

DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2020.07.007

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2020.07.007View

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Abstract

Reliable and affordable electricity systems based on variable energy sources, such as wind and solar may depend on the ability to store large quantities of low-cost energy over long timescales. Here, we use 39 years of hourly U.S. weather data, and a macro-scale energy model to evaluate capacities and dispatch in least cost, 100% reliable electricity systems with wind and solar generation supported by long-duration storage (LDS; 10 h or greater) and battery storage. We find that the introduction ofLDS lowers total systemcosts relative towind-solar-battery systems, and that systemcosts are twice as sensitive to reductions in LDS costs as to reductions in battery costs. In least-cost systems, batteries are used primarily for intra-day storage and LDS is used primarily for inter-season andmulti-year storage. Moreover, dependence on LDS increases when the system is optimized over more years. LDS technologies could improve the affordability of renewable electricity.

Chemistry

Chemistry, Physical

Energy & Fuels

Materials Science

Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Physical Sciences

Science & Technology

Technology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Role of Long-Duration Energy Storage in Variable Renewable Electricity Systems
Creators: Jacqueline A. Dowling - California Institute of Technology
Katherine Z. Rinaldi - California Institute of Technology
Tyler H. Ruggles - Carnegie Institution for Science
Steven J. Davis - Irvine University
Mengyao Yuan - Carnegie Institution for Science
Fan Tong - Carnegie Institution for Science
Nathan S. Lewis - California Institute of Technology
Ken Caldeira - Carnegie Institution for Science
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Joule, Vol.4(9), pp.1907-1928
DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2020.07.007
ISSN: 2542-4351
eISSN: 2542-4351
Publisher: Elsevier
Number of pages: 22
Grant note: Resnick Sustainability Institute at Caltech SoCalGas Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation
Language: English
Date published: 09/16/2020
Academic Unit: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Record Identifier: 9985113009102771

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