Utility-scale Electricity Storage Technologies: Global Markets

The scope of this investigation includes the major viable UES technologies that are currently being implemented in the power generation industry. These technologies are implemented to temporarily store electricity during periods of available generation capacity, for subsequent use during periods of increased demand, in support of load leveling and grid balancing. The energy storage technologies discussed in this report are increasingly deployed in support of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, which frequently generate power outside of peak demand periods. In these cases, UES technologies can facilitate delivery of renewable power to end users during periods of high and peak use, in support of utility level regulations and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies, which are increasingly common in the global electricity market.

 

Installation and operation of UES technologies can include various products and components such as injection pumps, wellheads, compressors, expanders, gas turbines, hydro turbines, dams, centrifugal pumps, and a suite of other equipment and facilities. Other important requirements for installation of UES technologies may include, depending upon the specific technology employed, sufficient geological resources such as subterranean caves, aquifers, or abandoned/sealed mine shafts, or surface features such as an existing reservoir or reservoir site, typically located in areas of high topographical relief, and frequently including substantial biological and other natural resources. Although substantial amounts of water and air may be required for operation of UES technologies, these specific requirements are not considered UES products within this report, because they are supplied at relatively little to zero direct cost, unlike mechanical and other components, which must be purchased separately.

 

The market analysis provided in this report is based on a variety of data sources. These include the most recent government, industry, and academic data regarding the projected level of demand for utility-scale electricity storage technologies that could potentially translate into UES projects. These data were supplemented with an evaluation of major EOR projects that have been announced, or that are currently being proposed. Therefore, this report provides a comprehensive review of available data to provide a realistic, robust, and accurate assessment of this quickly changing market.

 

Emerging UES technologies anticipated to be commercially viable within the next 5 years are summarized, but are not included in the market assessment of this report. BCC analyzes each major viable utility-scale energy storage technology, determines its current market status, examines its impact on future markets, and presents forecasts of growth over the next 5 years. Technological issues, including the latest trends, are assessed and discussed, as are the current and likely regulatory environments in support of this industry.

 

BCC analyzes the industry on a worldwide basis in terms of its manufacturing and the deployment of its technologies or products. BCC examines government roles in support of EOR technologies worldwide, including regulatory support, government requirements, and promotional incentives for various UES technologies as relevant and available. BCC provides a review of the most relevant UES technologies, discusses recent trends in capacity installation and unit sales, and provides industry overviews and market assessments for each UES technology.

 

WORLDWIDE MARKETS

 

The following table provides a review of the major worldwide markets that were assessed in support of this study.

 

 

Market	Countries/Regions Included
North America	United States, Canada, Mexico
Europe	All European nations except Iceland, including the portion of Russia located west of the Ural Mountains.
Asia/Australia	All Asian countries (excluding the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan). The Philippines were considered, but other South Pacific islands are not included. However, many Asian countries do not have significant installed UES capacities.

 

Source: BCC Research

 

Robert Eckard has more than a decade of experience working in the energy and environmental industries. Currently pursuing a PhD in water and energy resources at the University of California at Davis, Robert also runs a small industry research and technical consulting company, with an emphasis on energy/water/ environmental sectors. Robert has provided economic analysis market assessments, environmental analysis, and technical water and energy reports to state and local governments, other consultants, and private companies and individuals throughout the U.S., Australia, and Singapore. He also works as a subcontractor under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), providing analysis in support of electric power generation, including fossil and renewable energy technologies. Previously, he has produced reports for BCC Research on the global markets for residential and commercial solar thermal technologies, industrial- and utility-scale solar thermal technologies, distributed generation (DG) technologies, energy-efficiency technologies, and enhanced oil recovery. Robert takes great pride in providing high-quality, well-researched, and thorough analysis.