Published June 10, 2024
Queensland solar companies have welcomed a recent Clean Energy Council (CEC) report on the future of long duration energy storage, emphasising the role of the technology in maintaining the security and reliability of Australia’s energy system.
Announced at the CEC’s Australian Large-Scale Solar and Storage Summit (ALSSSS) in Brisbane on June 4 2024, The future of long duration energy storage report provides a comprehensive overview of how different storage technologies can keep costs down for renewables as the energy transition further progresses.
Queensland Solar Energy Provider, Proven Energy, has welcomed the report’s findings, pointing to its impact for small business and home owners.
“Installing solar panels is a highly cost-effective solution for managing personal energy needs,” said Proven Energy Director Peter Sutrin.
“The grid and industry discovering new ways to store this solar energy for use later in the evening is very promising, ensuring we can rely on solar power for longer periods.
The report details various emerging long duration energy storage technologies, including compressed air energy storage, thermal energy storage, and redox flow batteries.
According to CEC Policy Director – Market, Investment & Grid, Christiaan Zuur, emerging forms of alternative long duration energy storage (ALDES) solutions are well-equipped to support system security and reliability, by providing bulk energy reserves, inertia and system strength.
“These technologies support reliability in a changing power system by carrying significant volumes of stored energy over long periods of time. These substantial energy reserves are key to replacing coal generation as it exits the system. They also enable firming of renewable generation, further helping to support overall system reliability,” Mr Zuur said.
“Another key benefit of long duration storage, including the ALDES solutions in this report as well as pumped hydro, is their ability to provide long term energy firming contracts. These contracts will be key to supporting competition in the retail market, which in turn is central to keeping prices down for consumers.
“ALDES is an important part of the total storage portfolio. Building this portfolio of storage solutions now will accelerate the transition and ensure that Australians continue to benefit from reliable, low cost and zero carbon energy supply into the future,” he said.
Peter Sutrin acknowledges that while traditional lithium battery storage options remain popular for off-grid solar systems due to their affordability, these new technologies offer additional confidence that the grid will continue to support extensive solar installations and Australia’s energy system.
“With the gradual transition from coal generation, it’s crucial we focus on the affordability of quality, robust renewal energy infrastructure,” Mr Sutrin said.
“These solutions not only support ongoing system and energy transition security, but also contribute to lowering costs and reducing customer energy bills, particularly in rural and regional areas where access to affordable energy can be more challenging.”
“We must start building our post-coal energy systems now. Long-duration storage, combined with improved renewable generation, is the fastest and most cost-effective way to achieve a reliable, low-carbon energy future for Queensland,” he said.