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Bulk energy storage increases United States electricity system emissions
Eric S Hittinger1, Inês M L Azevedo
1Department of Public Policy, Rochester Institute of Technology , Rochester, New York 14623, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 29, 2015
Summary
Bulk energy storage offers economic benefits but isn't inherently green. Modeling reveals significant CO2 emissions from storage operations, alongside variable NOx and SO2 impacts, affecting the sustainable electricity transition.
Area of Science:
- Energy Systems Analysis
- Environmental Science
- Economics
Background:
- Bulk energy storage is crucial for a flexible, sustainable electricity grid.
- Storage systems, while economically beneficial, have environmental implications beyond their primary function.
- Understanding the net emissions impact of energy storage is vital for sustainable energy transitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the economic and emissions effects of bulk energy storage providing energy arbitrage services.
- To calculate potential profits under scenarios of perfect and imperfect information on future electricity prices.
- To estimate the net impact of bulk storage on CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions across 20 U.S. eGRID subregions.
Main Methods:
- Economic modeling of energy storage arbitrage.
- Emissions impact assessment for CO2, SO2, and NOx.
- Scenario analysis considering perfect and imperfect market information.
- Geographic analysis across 20 U.S. eGRID subregions.
Main Results:
- Net system CO2 emissions from storage operation are substantial, ranging from 104 to 407 kg/MWh.
- Net NOx emissions vary from -0.16 to 0.49 kg/MWh, generally small compared to generation.
- Net SO2 emissions range from -0.01 to 1.7 kg/MWh, influenced by location and operational mode.
Conclusions:
- Bulk energy storage's net emissions are a significant factor, not negligible compared to electricity generation.
- The economic viability of storage must be weighed against its environmental footprint, particularly CO2 emissions.
- Further research into optimizing storage operations for reduced environmental impact is warranted.
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