Why energy storage plummeted

Is energy storage a key to overcoming intermittency and variability?

Energy storage will be key to overcoming the intermittency and variability of renewable energy sources. Here, we propose a metric for the cost of energy storage and for identifying optimally sized storage systems.

Why do we need low-cost energy storage?

But to balance these intermittent sources and electrify our transport systems, we also need low-cost energy storage. Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used. Lithium-ion battery cells have also seen an impressive price reduction. Since 1991, prices have fallen by around 97%. Prices fall by an average of 19% for every doubling of capacity.

Are battery storage costs falling?

Fortunately, this hurdle may soon be overcome due to the plummeting costs of battery storage, as outlined in a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The IEA's "Batteries and Secure Energy Transitions" report finds that capital costs for battery storage systems are projected to fall by up to 40 percent by 2030.

Does storage reduce electricity cost?

Storage can reduce the cost of electricity for developing country economies while providing local and global environmental benefits. Lower storage costs increase both electricity cost savings and environmental benefits.

Why is energy storage important?

As the report details, energy storage is a key component in making renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, financially and logistically viable at the scales needed to decarbonize our power grid and combat climate change.

How much does energy storage cost?

Assuming N = 365 charging/discharging events, a 10-year useful life of the energy storage component, a 5% cost of capital, a 5% round-trip efficiency loss, and a battery storage capacity degradation rate of 1% annually, the corresponding levelized cost figures are LCOEC = $0.067 per kWh and LCOPC = $0.206 per kW for 2019.