Energy Storage Ecosystem Offers Lowest-Cost Path to 100% Renewable Power
As states reach higher toward 100% renewable operation, energy storage will be key to enabling a more variable power supply. But no single technology will be a silver bullet for all our energy storage needs.
Rather, a portfolio of storage solutions makes best economic sense for future energy systems, according to a recent National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) analysis titled “Optimal energy storage portfolio for high and ultrahigh carbon-free and renewable power systems,” published in Energy & Environmental Science.
“The fact is, every energy system is different, with different demand, renewable deployment, weather, etc.,” said Omar J. Guerra, NREL researcher and lead author on the paper. “We have found that energy storage enables the lowest cost of energy across different timescales and economic circumstances on high-renewable systems, which means we are looking at a combination of storage technologies for the future grid.”
Storage Technology Trade-Offs
Guerra and researchers Joshua Eichman and Paul Denholm used a custom high-resolution optimization model to compare energy storage combinations across the United States. The researchers found that geographic variation, among other factors, can drastically shape an energy storage portfolio. For example, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) grid is solar-driven, discharging seasonal storage for around 50 days to cover winter months in the model, whereas the wind-driven Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) could deploy shorter-duration seasonal storage (but still much longer than most currently deployed storage technologies) with capacity of 5–14 days.
Normalized state of charge (SOC) for short-duration (SD), long-duration (LD1 and LD2), and seasonal storage (SS) in CAISO and MISO. (a) Normalized SOC for devices on CAISO with 100% renewable energy mix. (b) Normalized SOC for devices on MISO with 100% renewable energy mix. SOC = 1 (dark red) implies that the storage device is full. SOC = 0 (light red) implies that the storage device is empty.
The storage technologies face fundamental trade-offs in efficiency and capital costs for both the power and energy component, which is exactly why multiple technologies are useful. Short-duration (intraday) storage like Li-ion batteries have higher efficiencies but also high energy-related costs, while longer-duration (daily) storage like compressed air or pumped thermal have lower energy-related costs but are less efficient.
“With very high or 100% renewable power systems, we need to be conscious of what storage mix is best for which locations or systems. The costs, including costs of avoided CO2 emissions, vary substantially with choice of storage portfolios,” Guerra said.
Storage Portfolio for 100% Renewables
The researchers produced some surprising results for ultrahigh renewable systems: As a system approaches 100% renewable operation, an increasing portion of its storage portfolio would benefit from multiple-day to seasonal storage capacity. This is because of the increasing seasonal mismatch of the remaining load and the supply of renewable resources. However, on a grid like CAISO, shorter-duration storage is more effective at smoothing the diurnal swings of solar.
As seasonal storage becomes a bigger player when nearing 100% renewable systems, another surprising strategy appears in which storage-to-storage charging becomes economically advantageous. And, as a result, renewable curtailment begins to drop because more of the renewable power can be directed to storage. These dynamics for ultrahigh renewable systems highlight how competing factors can widely affect an optimal storage portfolio.
As the CAISO (top) and MISO (bottom) systems approach 100% renewable operation, curtailment of renewables begins to decline because seasonal storage becomes cost-effective and increases the system’s storage capacity.
Impact on Power Industry
Findings from the study are imminently important for system operators, technology developers, power providers, and the wider industry. The chief message for these groups is that an ideal energy storage portfolio could look significantly different from one region to the next and will vary with the percentage of renewables. As more cities and states set clean-energy targets, stakeholders that are planning 10 or 20 years ahead should be tuned-in to the broader energy storage technology space and how it fits into their systems.
What Is Next?
Now that the researchers have established substantial cost differences in storage deployments, future work will focus on a more comprehensive assessment of the value of storage.
“We need a more holistic approach,” Guerra said. “Storage technologies are very flexible and can be used for a variety of grid services. Our next step will be to understand the full range of energy storage benefits to inform optimal storage portfolios.”
Learn more about NREL’s energy analysis and energy storage research.
Article courtesy of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
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Jeep’s first global luxury electric SUV will arrive at US dealerships any day. Despite its $72,000 price tag, lease prices for the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV start at just $599 per month.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV lease prices
After unveiling its first global electric SUV, Jeep’s CEO said the Wagoneer S “marks a new chapter” in its storied history.
Jeep claims the Wagoneer S packs “exhilarating performance.” With 600 hp and 617 lb-ft of torque, the big-body SUV can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Its 100 kWh battery pack also gives it a driving range of over 300 miles.
The electric SUV is unmistakably still a Jeep, but it did get several upgrades to distinguish it as an EV. The grille is now enclosed without the need to cool a massive engine, giving it a sporty, more modern look.
Jeep revamped its design with a new illuminated seven-slot grille with ambient cast lightning. It also fine-tuned its profile, adding flush door handles, a rear wing, and integrated fins for better airflow.
The first Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition models get exclusive dark accent design elements like 20″ Gloss Black Wheels.
Inside, the electric SUV is loaded with the latest tech and connectivity, including a best-in-class 45″ of usable screen space. The setup includes a 12.3″ center screen and an exclusive 10.25″ interactive front passenger screen.
Jeep already announced that the 2024 Wagoneer S EV will start at $71,995, but now the company has revealed lease prices for the first time.
According to Jeep, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition can be leased for $599 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year). The deal includes $4,999 due at signing and a $7,500 EV incentive. However, you may want to act fast, as Jeep’s offer is only good until December 2, 2024.
| Jeep Wagoneer S vs Tesla Model Y | Starting Price | Range | Lease Price |
| Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition | $71,995 | +300 miles | $599/mo |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | $44,990 | 320 miles | $299/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD | $47,990 | 308 miles | $399/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD Performance | $51,490 | 279 miles | $599/mo |
In comparison, Tesla Model Y RWD lease prices start at $299 for 36 months with $2,999 down (10,000 miles). The Performance AWD model starts at $599 per month. In an end-of-year promo, Tesla also offers 3 months of free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving.
Ready to drive off in your new electric SUV? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to view offers on the Jeep Wagoneer S and Tesla Model Y at a dealer near you.
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Caltrain, the 160-year-old San Francisco to San Jose rail corridor, has ditched diesel and is now fully electric.
This makes Caltrain’s zero-emission service from San Francisco to San Jose the first diesel-to-electric transition in North America in a generation. To celebrate, Caltrain is offering free rides this weekend on its new half-hourly weekend service, and it’s hosting events at every city along the corridor.
The new electric service is also faster and more frequent. During peak hours, trains will run every 15 to 20 minutes at 16 stations along the corridor. Express service from San Francisco to San Jose will take less than an hour, and weekend service will be twice as frequent as before.
Each trainset will have seven cars instead of the previous five to six. The new electric trains accelerate and decelerate faster than the diesel fleet, allowing more frequent stops in the same amount of time.
The trains were built by Stadler US at their facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. After they were assembled, they were sent to a test facility in Pueblo, Colorado. where they were tested at high speeds under numerous conditions as required by the Federal Railroad Administration.
The new electric trains are not just better for the environment; they’re also a big upgrade for passengers. Riders can now enjoy perks such as free wifi, more seat power outlets, and expanded under-seat storage. Plus, the ride is much quieter.
Serving the region since 1863, Caltrain is the oldest continually operating rail system west of the Mississippi. The Electrification Project is fully funded by federal, state, and local partners.
Read more: ‘UK-first’ intercity battery trial train outperforms diesel
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