The 2020’s are proving to be a record period for battery energy storage systems (BESS), in North America. ETN News reports that BESS will account for 81% of all new U.S. generating capacity this year. The total growth for 2024 will likely be an impressive 62.8 gigawatt hours. Not to be outdone, Texas battery energy storage is proving that renewable energy saves money too.
ERCOT Texas Shows Battery Energy Storage Pays
The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) produced a report that put paid to what battery storage skeptics claim. The truth of the matter is Texas battery energy storage reduced the impact of a hot summer, and winter storms just past.
We have to thank BESS developers who have diligently installed these new plants in the past three years. Wind, sun and batteries are now here to stay. They are helping Texas maintain reliable, and cost-effective power, that’s available at the flick of a switch when utilities need it.
“BESS systems in Texas have come under increasing scrutiny,” admits Olivier Beaufils of Aurora Energy Research. ”But our analysis shows batteries have increased reliability, and reduced costs for Texans during critical days.”
However, Natural Gas Continued in Tandem
Implementing the Texas battery energy storage system did not spell an end to use of natural gas peaking stations. That’s because some of the renewable energy diverted to serving grid ancillary services. This made space for an equivalent amount of gas to provide direct power to consumers.
This pragmatic combination of grid inputs, saved an estimated $750 million in day-ahead market costs, according to Aurora Energy Research. Bloomberg explains this enabled the service to meet critical energy needs, while reducing energy prices too.
More Information
BESS is More than a Friendly Brown Cow
