Flexible energy options, such as energy storage, smart-charging electric vehicles, demand response and interconnectors, are needed to ensure that the energy transition proceeds on an optimal path. Our expensive power system would otherwise be reliant on fossil-fueled backup and installing excess wind and solar capacity. The four types of flexibility mentioned above can accelerate the transition to a cleaner power system and ultimately enable the efficient integration of 80% or more renewable energy by 2040, according to two new reports published today by BloombergNEF (BNEF) in partnership with Eaton and Statkraft. The ‘Flexibility Solutions for High-Renewable Energy Systems’ reports model a number of alternative scenarios for future power systems in the U.K. and Germany, respectively, depending on how each flexibility technology might develop in the coming years.
BNEF 21st Nov 2018 read more »
The UK should make wider use of energy storage systems and other smart technologies if it wants to decarbonise its power grid at the lowest cost possible, according to new research released today by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). The analysis, compiled in collaboration with battery storage company Eaton and Norwegian energy firm Statkraft, concludes that in the UK and Germany “flexible” energy options are necessary to ensure grids can cut carbon emissions without radically pushing up consumer costs. Making use of technologies like energy storage, interconnectors, and demand response services increases the amount of green power that can be stored and called on during times of high demand, removing the need to overbuild renewables capacity or pay for expensive fossil fuel powered back-up plants, the researchers point out. The report predicts that without these flexible technologies, wind and solar will still dominate the UK power system by 2030 – providing more than 70 per cent of electricity – but the system will become 13 per cent more expensive because of the additional capacity and back-up plants that would be needed to cope with fluctuations in demand.
Business Green 21st Nov 2018 read more »
As the UK’s energy system undergoes a fascinating transition towards decarbonisation and decentralisation, edie has published two new guides that help businesses seize the opportunities of onsite generation and battery storage technologies to achieve a sustainable future.
Edie 21st Nov 2018 read more »