European transmission grid operators see grid interconnection and energy storage systems as the key to reducing emissions China Energy Storage Network News: According to foreign media reports, eight transmission system operators (TSOs) from European countries have launched a joint initiative to emphasize the role of grid interconnection and energy storage systems in achieving decarbonization goals.
The European Union (EU) and Switzerland pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and the European Commission put forward a legislative program called "Fit for 55" that requires carbon emissions by 2030 to be reduced by 55% compared to 1990.
Transmission system operators need to integrate a higher share of renewable energy power into their grids, adding flexible resources such as energy storage systems and demand response to match power demand with power supply.
According to reports, Terna (Italy), RTE (France), Elia Group (Belgium), Tennet (Netherlands and Germany), Amprion (Germany), Red Eléctrica de España (Spain), SwissGrid (Switzerland) and Austrian Power Grid (Austria) ) The eight European transmission system operators (TSOs) recently jointly released a proposal called "Energy System Decarbonization: The Role of Transmission System Operators", emphasizing what they have done so far in achieving this transformation. And what they need to do to support this transition.
As Europe moves towards carbon neutrality, transmission system operators (TSOs) must manage an increasingly complex and digital power system. They can have a direct impact in three key ways:
(1) Reduce and limit the carbon footprint of transmission system operators (TSO) themselves and their value chain partners and stakeholders (such as equipment suppliers).
(2) Expand and develop their power grids to promote mature renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydro and biomass, and flexible resource (ie energy storage systems and demand response) applications.
(3) Support the direct and indirect electrification of different economic sectors. Transportation and heating industries are two prominent examples.
In a press release issued a few days ago, these transmission system operators (TSO) stated that they are firmly committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, supporting sustainable development, and assisting the transformation of the power sector from fossil fuels. They believe that the power grid will become the "pillar of the green energy system." The European Union predicts that by 2050, renewable energy will account for more than 50% of final energy consumption, while the current proportion is about 23%.
Transmission system operators (TSOs) need to ensure that high-quality power is safely provided between interconnected power grids including countries, while maintaining the electrical frequency of the grid at 50 Hz in the interconnected European power system. At the same time, their roles are now changing to accommodate the growth of variable renewable energy, and consumers are playing a more active role in producing and even managing energy.
The article pointed out that in view of the fact that the transmission system operator (TSO) must play an important and active role in the decarbonization process, the greenhouse gas emission inventory under the framework of joint assessment and monitoring should clearly mention the activities of the grid operators and their respective Carbon Footprint. .
This transmission system operator (TSO) alliance provides examples of the work that some members are already doing. Although it may focus on the expansion and interconnection of power lines, there are also some that directly refer to battery energy storage systems, green hydrogen energy, and The role these technologies are or may play in the future.
Equigy is a project initiated by Swiss Grid and participated by Tennet, Terna, and Austrian Power Grid (APG). It aims to accelerate the integration of consumer-level energy storage systems and demand-side response facilities. Equigy is an energy platform that spans aggregated devices such as home energy storage systems and electric vehicles. The project aims to help create a decentralized power network suitable for the future.
The article also mentioned a grid interconnection project under construction to strengthen the electrical connection between the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands, including the deployment of a
Battery Energy Storage System with an installed capacity of 140MW as a fully integrated infrastructure grid component. Integrating synchronous compensators and transformers, and laying two DC submarine cables, the project will be completed between 2026 today, which will significantly reduce the island`s dependence on diesel power generation and natural gas power generation.
Transmission system operators (TSO) open up power networks for energy storage systems
People have seen across Europe that some transmission system operators (TSO) are taking measures to integrate battery energy storage systems into their power grids. Battery energy storage systems can play an important role in improving efficiency and reducing carbon footprint. For example, Italy`s Terna company held a pilot auction for fast-response frequency-controlled grid services, France`s RTE company is piloting the use of large-scale battery energy storage systems to alleviate grid congestion at strategic sites across France, and three German transmission system operators (TSOs) ) The "Gridbooster" project under construction, which uses a large-scale battery energy storage system as a virtual transmission line, will increase the power carrying capacity of the network at a much cheaper cost than building more grid infrastructure.
It is also worth noting that ENTSO-E is a European power network constructed by 42 different transmission system operators (TSOs) from 35 European countries. It can now achieve closer synchronization. Its goals include achieving low-carbon transformation and Maintain the function of the internal electricity market. The group must also fulfill the EU's mandate around these goals. An important step towards this goal is the implementation of the PICASSO project, which aims to launch the European market for the automatic frequency recovery reserve (aFRR) project.
In an article published a few days ago, Clean Horizon consultants Corentin Baschet and Tanguy Poirot explained the launch of the automatic frequency recovery reserve (aFRR) market and why it has such an important potential for the energy storage business in Europe. This article was published in a webinar sponsored by Clean Horizon.
However, although some market opportunities seem to be opening up, in June, industry players expressed concern that the European Union member states, the 12 national energy storage associations, and the European Energy Storage Association did not consider energy storage systems in their proposed economic recovery plans. .
Author: Liu Boxun Source: China Energy Storage Network
