Stationary Battery Storage – Stability and Flexibility in the Energy System

For a secure and reliable power supply based on 100 % renewable energy sources, decentralized and centralized stationary battery storage systems are needed on a large scale. A key task of these storage systems is to keep the power grid stable and fail-safe in the face of fluctuating feed-in from photovoltaics (PV) and wind. In addition, decentralized storage systems in industry and commerce can increase the share of solar self-sufficiency and, in view of the sharp rise in energy market prices, offer potential for economic and ecological savings. Intelligent power electronics and energy management systems optimize the interaction between generators, consumers, storage systems and power grids.

Stationary Battery Storage
Large-scale Battery Storage with a Wind Farm Large-scale Battery Storage as a Net Booster Large-scale Battery Storage with PV Power Plant Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Storage Systems District Storage Systems Home Energy Storage
© Fraunhofer ISE

The Role of Stationary Battery Storage in the Future Power Supply

Climate protection issues and solutions for the future energy system are becoming increasingly important. It is undisputed that storage solutions for renewable energy are essential for the transformation of our energy system, especially with respect to the increasing sectoral integration of the electricity, heat, transport and industry sectors. Further R&D activities as well as targeted and far-reaching political and regulatory measures are absolutely necessary for a sustainable and economically viable dissemination of battery storage systems.

Application Areas for Battery Storage

Home storage systems as smaller, decentralized battery storage systems have long been state-of-the-art in homes and serve there as intermediate storage for PV electricity generated on the roof of the house. Larger-scale district storage systems, used as intermediate storage in housing estates and residential areas, enable the shared use of locally generated electricity. There is enormous potential in the strong expansion of stationary large-scale battery storage, especially in conjunction with photovoltaic power plants. On the one hand, these can partially compensate for the shutdown of nuclear and coal-fired power plants and also offer a climate-friendly perspective for former power plant sites.

Falling electricity generation costs for renewable energies and a downward trend in battery prices on the one hand, and sharply rising energy costs and growing uncertainty in the established energy markets on the other, are making Commercial & Industrial (C&I) storage increasingly interesting for use in industry, services and commerce. Companies can use self-generated PV power to make themselves less dependent on volatile energy prices, ensure a reliable energy supply, and additionally contribute to CO2 savings.

Large-scale Battery Storage

Commercial and Industrial Storage Systems

District Storage Systems

Home Energy Storage

Advantages of Stationary Battery Storage

Across all application areas, the use of stationary battery storage enables large-scale integration of renewables and offers a number of benefits. According to the application specific require-ments, battery systems can be designed from several kWh up to GWh.
The advantages include ecological, technical and economic aspects. In addition to positive effects on the environment, there are also effects for society and business opportunities for operators of battery storage systems.

  • Ecological Advantages
    • increased share of renewable energy in the power supply, and thus CO2 savings
    • increased solar self-sufficiency in behind-the-meter applications
    • reduced need for grid expansion
    • smart sector coupling
  • Technical and Economical Advantages
    • ensured security of supply and grid stability
    • optimized grid utilization through intelligent power electronics
    • reduced grid usage fees and electricity costs
    • innovative marketing models for operators of renewable power plants
    • smart grid integration of electric vehicle charging stations
    • price self-sufficiency through large PV electricity share, less electricity imports
 

Flyer

Stationary Battery Storage – Stability and Flexibility in the Energy System