Comparing the emissions of utility-scale energy storage to those of natural gas peaking plants
Comparing the emissions of utility-scale energy storage to those of natural gas peaking plants involves understanding the different types of emissions associated with each technology. Here’s a breakdown of both:
Utility-Scale Energy Storage Emissions
Utility-scale energy storage technologies include Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS), Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES), Vanadium Redox Battery (VRB) Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Sodium-Ion Battery (PSB) BESS. Emissions from these systems generally come from construction, operation, and decommissioning phases:
- PHS: Has low emissions due to long-lived components and no fuel combustion during operation.
- CAES: High emissions due to natural gas combustion to compress air.
- VRB and PSB BESS: Emissions are high during manufacturing due to energy-intensive processes, but there are no emissions during operation.
For instance, Table 1 shows that while CAES has high fuel-related emissions from natural gas combustion, BESS systems have significant construction and O&M emissions due to manufacturing.
Natural Gas Peaking Plants Emissions
Natural gas peaking plants primarily produce emissions from the combustion of natural gas during electricity generation. These plants emit greenhouse gases, including CO₂ and methane. The emissions are typically higher per unit of electricity generated compared to most forms of energy storage:
- Emissions Rate: Natural gas power plants generally emit around 400-600 kg CO₂e/MWh, depending on efficiency.
- Flexibility: They are used for peak demand periods due to their ability to quickly start and stop operations.
In comparison, utility-scale energy storage systems generally have lower lifecycle emissions than natural gas peaking plants, especially considering that many energy storage technologies do not emit greenhouse gases during operation. However, the manufacturing process for some energy storage technologies can contribute significantly to overall emissions.
Summary Comparison
| Technology | Lifecycle Emissions | Operational Emissions |
|---|---|---|
| Utility-Scale Storage: – PHS – CAES – BESS |
Lower compared to gas plants, with exceptions like CAES and manufacturing-intensive BESS | Mostly zero for PHS and BESS; high for CAES during operation |
| Natural Gas Peaking Plants | Higher than most energy storage systems | 400-600 kg CO₂e/MWh |
While utility-scale energy storage typically offers a cleaner operational profile compared to natural gas peaking plants, lifecycle emissions should be considered for a comprehensive assessment. Utility-scale energy storage usually supports cleaner energy technologies and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which is a significant environmental advantage over traditional fossil fuel-based power generation systems.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-the-emissions-of-utility-scale-energy-storage-compare-to-those-of-natural-gas-peaking-plants/
