By Anesu Kanyenze, Associate, at Synergy Consulting Inc.
With growing energy demands and increasing deployment of distributed energy generation, the world is always looking for innovative technology to provide grid reliability and flexibility to overcome grid failures and network congestion.
“Storage-as-Transmission” refers to the integration of battery energy storage systems along transmission lines in order to either inject or absorb electricity within the grid. This technology will facilitate the flow of electricity and help enhance transmission system efficiencies. With the introduction of “Storage-as-Transmission”, under the 2030 German Grid Development Plan, deployment speeds increased up to 80% faster than traditional transmission lines. Also known as “Virtual transmission” and “Grid Booster”, these battery-based energy storage asset projects total more than 3 GW and are the source of transmission capacity.
With the Virtual Transmission capability, networks are offered a new flexibility to solve congestion by adding hundreds of megawatts (MW) while providing backup power for stability. Housed in Data Center-like buildings or containerized solutions, this battery technology uses up to 80% less space. For example, a 200-300 MW energy storage project could fit onto a site equivalent in size to only 600m of 220 kilovolt (kV) transmission line. According to Facts and Factors, the Global Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) Market size is estimated to grow to USD 3.59 billion, at a CAGR of approximately 11% by 2028.
Planned for completion in 2025, a 250 MW battery-based energy storage system, the world’s largest “Storage-as-Transmission” project, is being deployed by Fluence and TransnetBW. It is designed to increase network utilization across the German transmission system and is located at a major grid hub. It will ease the bottlenecks by transporting wind energy from north of Germany to the southern load centers, reducing transmission system operating costs, utilizing 80% less space, and ultimately lowering energy costs to the consumer.
To date, South Africa launched a series of Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program bidding windows (BW) known as REIPPPP. Each a success in its own right, REIPPPP BW6 has received a total of 56 wind and solar projects from various bidders in response to the expanded 4200 MW allocation across 5 provinces, presenting South Africa with a perfect opportunity to enhance the existing transmission corridors and allow for a more reliable grid.
It is believed that there is less risk and more revenue opportunity to maximize value while improving energy security. The implementation facilitates a much-needed comeback to help alleviate the rolling blackouts and ensure affordable power for all.
“Storage-as-Transmission” offers the ability to transform the way the world is powered, a huge change for South Africa.
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