Energy storage mitigates renewable energy curtailment by absorbing excess electricity generated during periods of high renewable output and low demand or grid constraints, then releasing it when demand is higher or grid capacity is available. This reduces the need to limit renewable generation, which is what curtailment entails.
Key ways energy storage helps address curtailment include:
- Shifting excess energy supply from times of surplus to times of demand: When solar or wind produce more electricity than the grid can handle or demand requires, storage systems capture this excess energy instead of letting it go to waste. The stored energy is then discharged later when renewable output drops or demand peaks, improving utilization of generated renewable power.
- Providing grid flexibility and balancing services: Energy storage can quickly respond to fluctuations in renewable generation and grid conditions, enabling smoother grid operation and reducing operational restrictions that otherwise lead to curtailment.
- Enabling longer-duration energy shifting: Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) options such as pumped hydropower, flow batteries, or compressed air storage allow energy to be stored over hours to days, tackling medium-term variability in renewable output and demand. For example, Spain’s adoption of LDES is projected to eliminate economic curtailment with 15 GW of storage capacity by 2035.
- Reducing curtailment increasingly with higher storage capacity and duration: Studies (e.g., from NREL) indicate that storage durations of 4 to 8 hours can avoid a significant share (up to 35% or more) of potential curtailment at high renewable penetration (around 55%). However, beyond certain capacity and duration thresholds, additional storage yields diminishing returns in avoided curtailment.
In summary, energy storage acts as a buffer and facilitator for renewable energy integration by capturing surplus generation that would otherwise be curtailed, storing it efficiently, and supplying it when needed. This reduces energy waste, improves grid reliability, and maximizes renewable energy utilization.
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