Value propositions of energy storage options for wind power output smoothing

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) provide a solution allowing higher levels of Renewable Energy (RE) integration into electricity systems, as the intermittency of RE power output can be addressed with storage solutions. This paper evaluates the value propositions of commercially available ESS for wind farms in Australia, focusing on power applications as a relevant market segment of the energy storage industry. Specifically, the ESS application analyzed in this paper is wind farm power output smoothing. First, a general techno-economic model is developed which considers the technical, economic, and regulatory aspects pertaining to ESS and wind farm connections. This model is then used to compare five technological ESS alternatives for meeting technical requirements associated with the wind farm operation. The comparison is performed using an Australian wind farm as a case study. The analysis shows that along with the investment costs of an ESS technology, the regulatory framework is a pivotal factor governing the value proposition of an ESS.