A framework for evaluating the role of electrical energy storage for future energy mixes in the UK

Energy storage can help resolve the flexibility issues of a future electricity grid with high intermittent renewable sources. However, approaches estimating required capacity and role of energy storage for a future energy mix involve intensive economic and technological modelling. In this study, we propose a multi-criteria assessment framework to evaluate the future application of energy storage for a future electricity grid. We have selected six energy applications for a grid that can be provided by electrical energy storage: 1) bulk energy applications, 2) transmission related applications, 3) distributed network applications, 4) ancillary energy applications, 5) renewable energy integration applications, and 6) customer energy quality applications. We, then, identify the role of energy storage for each energy scenario using a quantitative multi-criteria assessment. Criteria are defined based on the technical characteristics of selected energy mixes. The proposed framework effectively presents energy storage applications for future energy scenarios, and identifies ‘no-regret’ options. Although the proposed framework is tested here against National Grid’s Future Energy Scenarios for the United Kingdom, the methodology can be applied to any other scenarios and countries with some modifications.