| http://css.umich.edu/factsheets/us-grid-energy-storage-facts... * In 2020, the U.S. had over 23.2 GW of capacity in energy storage compared to 1,100 GW of total installed generation capacity. * Globally, installed energy storage capacity totaled 173.6 GW. * 1,355 energy storage projects were operational globally in 2020, with 11 projects under construction. 40% of operational projects are located in the U.S. * California leads the U.S. in energy storage with 215 operational projects (4.2 GW), followed by Hawaii, New York, and Texas. https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/broad-reach-pow... "Two of the planned 10 MW batteries are up and running already, with a total of 10 expected online by year's end, Vavrik said. That means that BRP and Key Capture are running neck and neck for operational capacity in Texas. The title of biggest battery operator in the state could change hands repeatedly based on the order in which those companies' projects wrap up. The broader story is that multiple experienced energy investors are converging on Texas simultaneously. The interconnection queue contains more than two dozen batteries that are each larger than 100 megawatts; some go up to 300, 400, even 500 megawatts." |
Take the US case. 23.2 GW "capacity". Over what period of time? A second? A minute? An hour? A day? A month? A year?
Let's take a case study of California, the "leader" in energy storage in the US. California removes reliable and cheap organic power plants, and is surprised to find at periods of peak demand when energy is needed most (heat waves, cold spells) the system falls apart. [By the way, removing reliable access to electricity is how you expose the most vulnerable segments of the population to danger of life and safety.]
"The state’s grid operator blamed the blackouts on “a perfect storm” of extreme heat and unusually high demand, as well as a drought that’s limiting hydropower resources and a decline in electricity imports from neighboring states also struggling to keep air conditioners humming. Compounding the problem, 1 gigawatt of wind unexpectedly went offline Saturday, along with a gas plant."....
"“In some cases, we have built a reliability plan that isn’t completely realistic.”"....
"The dearth of battery storage has long been a key barrier to transitioning to a green grid. Though the price of batteries has fallen significantly, they’re still not in widespread use. California only had enough to tackle about 1% of Monday’s peak load forecast, "
California storage cannot handle 1% of battery needs. Please keep in mind when reviewing assumptions, claims, and statements about solar & wind grid.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-17/californi...