Part of EnergyBiz® Network »
Utility Management Group
Senior decision-makers come together to connect around strategies and business trends affecting utilities.
Post
Energy Insights Series Commentary - Bright Power
image credit: © Lovelyday12 | Dreamstime.com
This item is part of the Special Issue - 2020-01 - Predictions & Trends, click here for more
Many states are moving toward 100% renewable energy goals, leading to a rise in solar and wind power’s popularity. As solar and wind become more cost-effective and attractive, the power industry will need to determine how to manage the excess power created by those resources during peak production times and how to supplement the electricity shortfall when the wind isn’t blowing, or the sun isn’t shining. To help avoid load curtailment, battery energy storage is an ideal solution to integrate with renewable energy systems. So as long as energy storage continues to become more affordable, it’s likely that stand-alone energy storage or storage paired with solar/wind will start to replace natural gas peaker plants that typically sit dormant for most of the year and are too costly to run and maintain.
Your access to Member Features is limited.
Already Member? Sign In.
New to Energy Central?
Applying for membership with Energy Central allows you to connect with a network of more than 200,000 global power industry professionals.
The ability for utilities themselves to own energy storage will be dependent on each state’s regulatory structure. For example, in New York, deregulated utility companies like ConEdison “own” very little power generation, and instead, act as means of distribution. This will make it more complex for a utility that cannot own energy storage to reap the benefits that energy storage provides to help balance the grid. In states with a regulated utility structure, such as Arizona, utility companies own both the generation and distribution of power. They are therefore able to own and operate energy storage systems as a mechanism to help them integrate increasing amounts of renewable energy onto the electric grid more seamlessly.
Thank Evan for the Post!
Energy Central contributors share their experience and insights for the benefit of other Members (like you). Please show them your appreciation by leaving a comment, 'liking' this post, or following this Member.
More posts from this member
Discussions
Spell checking: Press the CTRL or COMMAND key then click on the underlined misspelled word.
Related Special Issue Content
Predictions & Trends for 2020
Get Published - Build a Following
The Energy Central Power Industry Network is based on one core idea - power industry professionals helping each other and advancing the industry by sharing and learning from each other.
If you have an experience or insight to share or have learned something from a conference or seminar, your peers and colleagues on Energy Central want to hear about it. It's also easy to share a link to an article you've liked or an industry resource that you think would be helpful.
Your access to Member Features is limited.
Sign in to Participate