Energy Systems Technologies to accelerate decarbonization

Energy Systems Technologies to accelerate decarbonization

Energy Storage Systems

Energy Systems (SAE) are key to the decarbonization of energy systems since they are a very versatile tool to provide flexibility to systems. the greater share of renewable energies also implies greater solar photovoltaic and wind generation. These variable technologies require greater flexibility in electrical Energy Systems to maintain the continuous balance between generation and demand. In this sense, SAEs play a very important role, thanks to the fact that they can act as a load or as a source of electricity alternately, to compensate for variations in both generation and demand.

According to the International Energy Systems Agency, in a scenario of zero net emissions, SAE will become the main source of flexibility for electrical systems, replacing generation with coal and natural gas, which today occupy the first place for this function. , along with large-scale hydroelectricity. SAE is capable of providing multiple services to electrical systems, beyond the arbitration between times of lower and higher price, such as primary, secondary, and tertiary frequency regulation, voltage regulation.

Likewise, they can improve cost efficiency and postpone investments in the expansion of energy transmission and distribution networks by reducing the peaks of the maximum demand of the networks. At a global level, the penetration of SAE is still in an incipient stage. Their full use depends largely on the regulatory frameworks that enable their participation in the markets to provide these electrical services, their economic value is recognized and they are adequately remunerated.

Different technologies of storage Energy Systems

SAE innovation has enabled the development of a variety of technologies and will continue to be a key element in gaining market share. In terms of technologies, there are various alternatives such as lithium-ion electrochemical batteries, which are the fastest-growing in use. Its versatility, response times, and technology maturity make it the most attractive solution for SAE. Their costs have dropped significantly in the last decade from US$1,000 in 2010 to US$137 in 2020, and are expected to continue falling in the coming years.

Another growing technology is flow batteries, also electrochemical, such as vanadium redox batteries, which have advantages such as longer useful life, easier component recycling, and better performance in terms of safety and temperature.

There are also mechanical SAEs, such as pumped hydroelectric plants, which are the technology with the largest installed capacity in the world. Today it is estimated that they store around 9,000 GWh globally (IHA). This technology has the advantage of being able to store energy for longer periods of time, something that limits lithium batteries whose duration reaches 4 or 6 hours.

On the other hand, hydrogen promises to give a very strong boost to the decarbonization of systems, according to the IEA. To reach net-zero emissions in 2050, a capacity of 3,000 GW of electrolyzers will be required. Finally, there are also electrical and thermal storage systems, such as molten salt solar thermal power plants. The latter is still in the development phase.

Thus, the panorama SAE constitutes a market where development and research will set the standard for which technologies will be more competitive in cost and which will be better adapted to the services that energy systems require in their decarbonization process. Energy Systems

SAE penetration is low in the region, but it is possible to find projects in operation

Table 1 shows some emblematic projects in the region, among which is the Rio Grande pumping station in the Province of Córdoba, Argentina, with 750MW. This is the largest SAE in the region, with 35 years of operation. In Chile is the Cerro Dominador thermo-solar power plant, recently inaugurated with a capacity to store 110 MW in molten salts. And several projects with lithium batteries, where innovative schemes stand out, such as the “virtual reservoir” of the Alfalfa I run-of-the-river power plant, also in Chile, and other projects that accompany renewable and non-renewable generation plants.

There are also initiatives to install SAE as part of transmission and distribution Energy Systems.

A tender is currently open in Colombia to incorporate an SAE for batteries into the national transmission system to improve the quality of service in the north of the country. In Uruguay, the IDB, through the IDB Lab, is supporting the electricity company UTE for the installation of a battery pilot in distribution systems to improve the quality of service to users and optimize the use of variable renewable energies, mainly wind.

Emblematic energy storage projects in Latin America and the Caribbean
PROJECT NAME LOCATION TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

Rio Grande Córdoba Hydroelectric Complex, Argentina Pumping Hydroelectric Power Plant It has a capacity of 750 MW and can operate in generation or pumping mode. It has an upper and a lower reservoir located 12 km downstream, with a drop of 185 m. It transforms base energy and low marginal cost into peak energy during the hours of greatest demand. More information

Cerro Dominador Thermosolar Plant Antofagasta, Chile Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) with molten salts 110 MW tower thermosolar plant with a storage capacity of 17.5 hours through a molten salt system (cold and hot salt tanks), which allows managing the energy produced and inject energy during the night. More information

Alfalfa I Hydroelectric Plant San José del Maipó, Chile Lithium Ion Batteries The 10MW/50MWh storage system accompanies the 178 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric plant, constituting a virtual reservoir. More information

Albireo 1 and 2 Usulután Photovoltaic Plants, El Salvador Lithium Ion Batteries The 3 MW/1.5 MWh lithium-ion battery system accompanies two photovoltaic plants with a total installed capacity of 140 MWp. The system provides frequency regulation services, required by regulations. More information

Aura Solar III Baja California Sur, Mexico Lithium Ion Batteries The 10.5 MW SAE accompanies the 32MWp photovoltaic solar plant provides primary frequency regulation, and is capable of providing other complimentary services. More information

Andrés and the DPP Dominican Republic Lithium-Ion Batteries Two storage systems of 10 MW each and 30 minutes duration. They provide primary frequency regulation to two gas-based power generation plants. More information energy systems

Termozipa Zipaquirá, Colombia 7 MW and 3.9 MWh SAE Lithium-Ion Batteries to improve the performance of the Termozipa thermal power plant and maximize its electricity delivery. More information energy systems

At the technological level, Latin America and the Caribbean also have the opportunity to increase their participation in the value chain for the manufacture of batteries. Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile add up to about 60% of the identified lithium reserves.

The use of batteries in microgrids, a key role in improving access to energy systems in isolated areas

The use of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries in microgrids for electrification in isolated areas is the application with the greatest experience regarding the installation of SAE in the region. The introduction of SAE to accompany solar power plants in isolated areas and on islands has made it possible to eliminate or at least reduce the need for the use of diesel generators. This has made it possible to increase the efficiency of the systems, reduce operating costs and the complex logistics of fuel supply, as well as CO2 emissions and other local polluting gases, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxides. Table 2 presents some micro-grid projects financed by the IDB in the region.

Expand understanding of SAE technologies and services

Taking advantage of the benefits of SAE in LAC for greater incorporation of variable renewable energies, decarbonizing energy systems, and presenting a better service to users requires several actions by policymakers, planning regulators, and private companies. A regulatory framework that enables SAE participation in the markets and that recognizes the value of the services it provides to the network.

Likewise, it is necessary to invest in knowledge of the technology, its performance, through the development of pilots and sharing the experience of projects that are already in operation. Also invest in science and technology to develop value chains around SAE, in particular lithium batteries. In the short term, it is possible to continue with the installation of SAE where they are economically viable, such as in microgrids and in those installations that do not require an enabling regulatory framework, such as the case of batteries located behind the meter that accompany generation plants.