Brattle Report Examines Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Benefits and Barriers
Prepared for the C2ES LDES Working Group Meeting
In a report prepared for the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Working Group of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), Brattle energy experts assessed the applications and value of LDES technologies in the energy sector. The US Department of Energy defines LDES as storage systems capable of delivering electricity for 10 or more hours in duration.
As part of their assessment, the Brattle team reviewed current state-of-the-art LDES technologies – which consist of electromechanical, chemical, and thermal technologies – as well as cost projections, market developments, and potential barriers. They conclude that there is a growing need for energy shifting and low-carbon capacity, which could create an opportunity for an array of inter-day LDES (10–36 hours) and multi-day LDES (36+ hours) technologies.
To date, there has been more commercial development for inter-day LDES technologies; however, these will need to compete with lithium-ion battery technology for shorter-duration applications of less than 12 hours. Anticipated grid needs under increasing deep decarbonization efforts present significant grid challenges, especially due to emerging challenges in winter and periods with low renewable energy generation. Multi-day LDES technologies – with their distinct cost structure – could address these reliability challenges, presenting a near-term opportunity for development and deployment.
Key barriers to LDES deployment include:
- Technical challenges
- Reaching economies of scale in deployment (while keeping pace with emerging grid needs)
- Gaps in full recognition of the value of LDES in utility and Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) planning processes and government incentive structures
The “LDES Scoping Report” was authored by Principal Michael Hagerty, Energy Associate Dr. Andrew W. Thompson, and Senior Consultant Andrew Levitt. The full report is available below.
