Balancing supply and demand: The role of energy storage in integrating 30–35% renewable energy sources into power system

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This study explores the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power system, aiming for a 30-35% contribution from solar and wind energy. It evaluates various energy storage (ES) technologies, particularly hydrogen-based systems, to address supply-demand imbalances and facilitate a transition away from fossil fuels. The research employs a techno-economic modeling framework to simulate hourly power demand and generation, revealing that a mix of 75-80% wind and 20-25% solar is optimal for minimizing storage needs. The findings suggest that a complete transition could lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, emphasizing the importance of geographically distributed generation and long-duration storage for managing RES variability.

Additionally, the article highlights Denmark's commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with a current RES share of 57%. It discusses the challenges of integrating RES and electric vehicles into the grid and proposes innovative solutions like virtual power plants (VPPs) to enhance grid reliability. The global renewable energy capacity is projected to increase significantly, driven by climate change concerns, necessitating optimized energy supplies and reduced carbon emissions. The study concludes that effective energy storage systems are crucial for transitioning to a renewable-based grid, with policy support and technological advancements being essential for overcoming existing challenges.