Affordable storage is seen as the missing link between intermittent renewable power and reliable energy supply. McKinsey research anticipates costs could fall to $200 per kWh in 2020 – half of today’s price, which would help transform the energy mix of many nations. By 2025, costs of power storage are expected to fall to $160 kWh or less, making it affordable to use for utilities and grid operators.
China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Russia’s Gazprom have agreed to form a joint venture for gas-fired power generation and underground gas storage in China. The MoU was signed on Saturday after detailed discussions on Russian gas supplies via the western route – the so-called ‘Power of Siberia’ pipeline is already under construction.
Flexibility of power network hinges on storing excess electricity and demand response to alleviate the impact of intermittent generation. California and Germany used subsidies as a trigger to advance power storage; yet to further commercialise these technologies the industry needs market-based regulation that remunerates flexibility and puts in place a level playing field between different assets.
Apr 28 – Energy arbitrage opportunities, renewable energy installations, and growing electric vehicles market are expected to drive the energy storage systems market to grow 4.4% annually. It is estimated to expand from $12.89 billion in 2015 to $15.96 Billion by 2020, according to MarketsandMarkets analysis.
Apr 15 – E.ON has started to sell its Aura electricity storage system in Germany. With a storage capacity of 4.4 kilowatt-hours, E.ON Aura can meet the entire electricity needs of a three- to four-person family during the evening and night hours. The system can increase a home’s energy self-sufficiency rate from about one third to around 70%.