ENERGY EFFICIENT TRANSPORT


ENERGY STORAGE – THE DRIVING FORCE


Cities around the world are implementing rules and restrictions to address low emissions and pollution emergencies


The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum worldwide, with one in seven cars sold globally now being electric1


. But while this transition supports decarbonisation, preparing for the anticipated power needs presents a new challenge in terms of grid impact and energy costs. In this


context, energy storage systems are emerging as a compelling solution to alleviate these challenges and ensure our power systems are well-equipped for the mainstream adoption of EVs. Carlos Nieto, global product line manager, Energy Storage at ABB, explores the growing role of energy storage in helping ensure our power systems are adequately equipped for the impact of the mass adoption of e-mobility


T


he current decade is undeniably the era of EVs. Despite ongoing challenges in


manufacturing capacity and infrastructure, the rapid acceleration towards zero-emission transport remains a top priority. Many nations have committed to banning the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles, some as early as 20252


. In


addition, governments are providing EV subsidies, while cities around the world are implementing rules and restrictions to address low emissions and pollution emergencies. Simultaneously, industry players are constantly innovating automotive technology to improve range, availability and performance. These efforts have resulted in a significant


increase in EV sales. In 2017, only one in every 70 cars sold was an EV3


. However, last year, one in


seven passenger cars purchased worldwide was electric, surpassing a milestone of ten million global sales for the first time4


. While this progress


is commendable for decarbonisation, the widespread electrification of vehicles presents a new challenge in terms of grid impact. Estimates suggest that the adoption of EVs


could drive a 300-fold increase in electricity consumption by 2040 compared to 20165


. Yet


our current grid system is already being pushed to its limits as it swiftly and simultaneously becomes both carbon-neutral and more variable, all while faced with serving soaring demand.


24


The result is the very real risk of a power-demand crisis – if not managed correctly.


A BALANCING ACT FOR UTILITIES Much like EVs themselves, one of the most important innovations is one of the oldest – the humble battery. To understand why we must first look at the


current grid set up. Most of today’s energy infrastructure is decades old and was only ever designed to work under the basic assumption that electricity generation is easily adjustable depending on the amount of electricity consumed. Renewable integration changes this. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and


wind power, are crucial components of the decarbonisation efforts. However, they are inherently intermittent, dependent on factors like weather conditions and daylight availability. Consequently, adding these new energy producers to the mix can cause volatility to the system, including potential imbalances in supply and demand and changes in transmission flow patterns. Add to the equation the prospect of hundreds of thousands of EVs plugging onto the grid to charge during peak hours and the result is a formidable balancing act for the modern utilities provider.


BRIDGING THE GAP There is a, however, a solution to combat this


ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Autumn 2023


instability. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can provide a vital source of flexibility in the energy system by bridging the gap between energy generation and demand, ensuring a continuous and reliable power supply. By storing excess energy during periods of high


generation and releasing it during periods of low generation, energy storage allows for a more efficient utilisation of renewable energy resources. This capability is particularly relevant for EVs as it helps address the limited driving range associated with their batteries. Put simply, they make it possible for energy to be


stored and used at a later time. To relieve pressure on the grid, utilities can store renewable energy during the day, when production is typically high, and redistribute it when consumption peaks, typically during the evening. Other benefits include reactive power compensation, frequency regulation, voltage support and critical backup power. As the transportation economy electrifies, this will


play a huge role in enabling operators to respond to the increased pressure on the grid more effectively without the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. Crucially too, it alleviates the need for operators to draw on expensive and carbon- intensive peak plants during periods of high demand. After all, the green mobility transition itself would be severely compromised if the energy used to fuel it has a high carbon footprint.


www.essmag.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40