Safety of Grid-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems

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Security of Supply
Transitioning to a zero-carbon electricity system in Ireland and Northern Ireland will mean reducing, and eventually removing, our reliance on conventional fossil fuel generators for our electricity needs. The majority of electricity demand will be met by variable renewable generation sources such as wind and solar which means security of supply (ensuring there is always enough electricity to meet demand) will become more and more important. Battery storage can make a significant contribution in this regard as the market is shifting towards longer-duration projects that can provide multi-hour energy to ensure electricity continues to flow during periods of low renewable output or where there is congestion on the network. Multi-hour battery storage will reduce the need to use fossil fuel generation to ensure security of supply thereby reducing power sector emissions and helping us on the path to a net-zero energy system.
Alternative Network Solutions
Battery storage could also be used to provide a non-wires alternative to network build out to help mitigate peak transmission or distribution network congestion. As the electrification of heat and transport adds additional demand to an already constrained grid, energy storage offers a potentially cheaper network reinforcement solution to network operators for the benefit of all users.
For instance, deployment of battery storage in large demand centres such as Dublin can help avoid network congestion during peak hours and reduce or defer the need for network reinforcement. If the batteries are charged up at times of low demand and are located close to where the power is needed, then they can supply electricity and help to reduce congestion on the network at times of high demand.
Behind-the-meter electricity storage schemes, e.g. at domestic and business premises, will also have a role to play in managing energy balancing and network congestion, increasing the overall utility of existing grid infrastructure.
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