Typical maintenance costs for utility-scale battery storage systems can vary depending on several factors, including system size, technology, and operational conditions. Here are some key points to consider:
- Annual Maintenance Cost: For a 50MW battery storage system, annual maintenance costs can range from $500,000 to $1 million. These costs cover activities such as battery cell replacements, software updates, and preventive maintenance on power conversion systems and other components.
- Fixed vs. Variable Costs: Fixed operational costs include items like rent, property taxes, and insurance, which can range from $50,000 to $150,000 annually for a 50MW system. Variable costs, such as energy losses during charging and discharging, can add up to around $250,000 per year, assuming a 10% energy loss and $0.10/kWh electricity cost.
- Fixed O&M (FOM) Costs: In some models, all operating costs are represented using fixed O&M costs, which include battery augmentation and maintenance to ensure the system operates at its rated capacity over its lifetime. These costs are often estimated at 2.5% of the capital cost in $/kW.
- Lifecycle Costs: Beyond annual costs, the lifecycle cost of a utility-scale battery system also includes replacement costs for batteries and other components over the system’s lifespan, typically ranging from 10 to 20 years for lithium-ion batteries. Replacing batteries can cost between $5 million and $15 million for a 50MW/50MWh system, depending on future battery prices.
In summary, maintenance costs for utility-scale battery storage systems are significant and include both ongoing operational expenses and eventual replacement costs over the system’s lifespan.
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