Evaluation of Energy Storage Options for 100 % renewable electricity generation in Scotland
The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 sets a target of 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on 1990 levels by 2050 with an interim target of 42% reduction in 2020. Because of the rapid development of renewables in Scotland, new targets can be set out to generate the equivalent of 100% electricity demand in Scotland from renewable sources, which require the market to deliver approximately 15-16 GW. However, this does not imply 100% dependency on renewable sources, but rather that renewables will form a key part of the electricity mix along with thermal generations supported by Carbon Capture techniques" (The Scottish Government, 2012). A figure of 97 % has been reported for 2015 already'.
For this assignment you will evaluate if it is theoretically possible for Scotland to not only generate the equivalent of 100 % of electricity, but also to depend 100 % on the electricity generated by those renewable technologies. Use the free simulation package EnergyPlan for your calculations
1. Based on an upscale of the current generation mix for renewable technologies and the current typical electricity demand, how much energy storage capacity would Scotland need to satisfy all its electricity needs with renewable generation and provide a stable grid (i.e. supply meeting demand at all times)?
2. How much would it cost to build that storage capacity using PHS only?
3. At the moment, there are two pumped hydro power stations operational in Scotland: Ben Cruachan and Foyers. (For details on the two schemes, please see Table 2). Is there enough PHS potential in Scotland to reach the energy storage demand identified in part 1 of the question?
4. Use EnergyPlan to build your own scenario for an independent Scottish electricity grid. It has to be stable and cost effective and fullfill the electricity demand 100 % with renewable technologies. Which energy storage technologies do you suggest? How much would your scenario cost? Justify your choices.