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We are trying to cleanup our environment yet we are using multi mineral batteries (think lithium) to store energy at some PV solar and wind farms. Someday all of the lithium batteries will be wearing out and we will need to recycle as much as possible and yet what can not be recycled will go into landfills. Iron flow batteries will be the alternative. ESS Inc. has an iron flow battery in production that they describe as being 100% recyclable.

https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/new-all-liquid-iron-flow-battery-grid-energy-storage

I've been interested in solar and battery storage lately.

I'd like to ask those of you who have installed solar and home storage batteries , what problems have you experienced with them? What was the process of purchasing them? And what was the motivation for the purchase?

Sincere replies would be appreciated! :)

This movie has a very interesting theory about it

As the use of renewable energy installations rises, there's an increasing need for flexible resources on the grid. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has assessed factors like national grid load curves and renewable energy generation, finding that European countries like Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, the UK, and Italy now have over 15% of their energy generated from renewables. However, the impact of renewable energy on power system operation varies due to differences in each country's grid and flexibility resources.

Traditionally, thermal power, gas generation, and pumped storage plants have dominated power system flexibility resources. Yet, with the global push for decarbonization, battery storage, hydrogen energy, demand-side response, and grid transmission channels are emerging as crucial components of future flexibility resources. According to IEA predictions, battery storage is expected to contribute 30% of flexible power resources by 2050, while the share of fossil fuels will be reduced to less than 5%.

Currently, natural gas peaking power plants play a vital role in regulating flexibility in the European power market. Additionally, certain parts of Europe rely more on hydropower and nuclear power for flexibility support. However, in the last two years, factors such as increasing fuel and carbon prices, maintenance issues with nuclear power units, and insufficient hydropower water have strained flexibility resources in Europe, resulting in a sharp surge in electricity prices.

The electricity reform is poised to expedite the implementation of utility storage.

Faced with the most severe energy crisis in decades, the European Union (EU) has introduced a series of policies to fast-track the transition to clean energy since 2021, including Fit-for-55 and REPowerEU. However, the substantial surge in European electricity prices in 2022 compelled the EU to reassess the existing power market design, which relied on marginal cost pricing.

Moreover, the EU had to unveil a more adaptive power market reform program for renewable energy development at the beginning of 2023. This initiative is anticipated to hasten the deployment of European renewable energy, along with flexible resources such as energy storage and demand-side response.

On March 14, 2023, the European Commission unveiled a preliminary proposal for an electricity market overhaul, followed by the European Parliament formally endorsing the EMD on July 19.

The primary focus of this reform is geared towards enhancing the liquidity and dependability of the long-term electricity market. It aims to incentivize renewable energy producers to engage in long-term power purchase contracts (PPAs) and government-approved contracts for difference (CfDs), thereby mitigating short-term price fluctuations through adjustments to relevant EU electricity regulations. Additionally, the reform seeks to facilitate the integration of more non-fossil fuel-based flexibility resources into the grid, such as Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and demand-side response. Ultimately, the reform underscores the crucial role of new energy storage and endeavors to establish a reliable ESS infrastructure at the highest level.

Furthermore, on December 14, 2022, the European Parliament greenlit REPowerEU, a plan designed to expedite the approval and licensing processes for various renewable energy ventures, including battery energy storage. This move is anticipated to kickstart the deployment of utility energy storage projects across Europe.

The United Kingdom, serving as a key catalyst in the European energy storage market, has consistently surpassed an annual installation of over 1 GWh in recent years for energy storage power plants. The primary source of revenue for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) stems from ancillary services. With the European electricity reform initiatives aiming to fortify grid resilience and bolster the growth of energy storage power plants, it is foreseen that installations in the European ESS market will maintain a range of 3-5 GWh per year in the coming years.

The UK Leads in Installations, Italy Poised for a Surge

As per statistics from the European Association of Energy Storage (EASE), Europe witnessed a substantial increase in energy storage capacity in 2022, with a total addition of 4.5GW. The utility storage and residential storage sectors contributed 2GW and 2.5GW, respectively.

In the Fast-Track-to-Market (FTM) segment, the United Kingdom claimed the lion's share, representing 42% of Europe's utility storage market. Following closely were Ireland, Germany, and France, with respective shares of 16%, 12%, and 11% in total installations. Notably, the statistics suggest that Italy is on the cusp of a significant surge in installations.

Based on data from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), the primary source of revenue for European utility storage projects is the provision of frequency response services. In 2022, over 80% of the revenue in the European energy storage market originated from the lucrative frequency response market in key countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

As the frequency response market approaches saturation in the future, European energy storage projects are expected to pivot towards tariff arbitrage and capacity markets. Currently, Spain and Italy's energy storage projects generate relatively high revenue through tariff arbitrage, but their investment costs remain unmet. To mitigate the risk associated with new projects, countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Belgium, and others have instituted a capacity market mechanism for Energy Storage Systems (ESS). This ensures that ESS projects secure minimum gains through capacity contracts, reducing overall project risk.

According to the 2022 Italian capacity market auction plan, there's an anticipation of adding 1.1GW/6.6GWh of new battery storage systems in 2024. In June 2023, the Italian regulator approved updated auction rules for grid-scale energy storage, empowering Terna (the transmission system operator) to conduct large-scale auctions for battery storage systems. The initial auctions are slated for the end of 2023 or early 2024, coinciding with the approval of a 200MW/800MWh battery storage system project owned by Aura Power. Consequently, explosive growth in installations is expected in Italy over the next few years.

Greece, Germany, and Spain have also implemented policies supporting utility-scale energy storage tenders and other initiatives, anticipating a significant boost in local utility-scale storage installations in the coming years.

As per the European Energy Storage Association forecast, the United Kingdom's favorable market mechanisms will further drive installation growth. Italy and Greece are poised for explosive growth in utility-scale installations between 2023-2025, thanks to supportive policies. Meanwhile, short-term installation growth in Ireland may be hampered by grid bottlenecks and other factors, but there remains potential for future growth.

In the midst of industry development dilemmas, unlocking breakthroughs hinges on tapping into emerging markets. Beyond those contributing significantly to the surge in solar PV installations, attention is now turning to novel markets, becoming focal points for energy storage enterprises. As the energy storage industry expands, market entities are expanding in tandem, with a gaze fixed on the horizon of 2024.

According to TrendForce projections, the outlook is promising, anticipating new ESS installations to soar to 71GW/167GWh, marking a robust 36% and 43% year-on-year increase. The growth trajectory remains notably high in Europe and Asia, while the pace in the Americas shows a moderation. Notably, the pinnacle of performance is observed in the growth of ESS installations.

Projections for new installations of ESS around the world in 2024 

https://preview.redd.it/ogw30c9sa2oc1.png?width=667&format=png&auto=webp&s=9c9f72df89287748f8ad5114aea22483571600f1

In terms of incremental changes, the market share in major players like China, the U.S., and Europe remains steadfast, while certain regions boast commendable upticks, exemplified by Israel, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Today, our focus is on unfolding the narrative of energy storage development in Israel—an emerging market with a tale of its own.

Change is inevitable, and the energy transition stands as the pivotal pathway.

TrendForce foresees a staggering growth rate of over 200% in solar PV installations, propelled by the impending grid connection of large-scale bidding projects. As a swiftly developing economic force in the Middle East, Israel finds itself in a unique position—a nation without direct power connections to its neighbors, effectively an isolated energy island.

Currently, Israel relies heavily on fossil fuels, with gas and coal constituting over 90% of its power mix. Faced with the challenges of traditional energy dependence and the imperative for energy transition, Israel urgently seeks to secure independent energy sources. Consequently, the development of renewable energy emerges as a crucial strategic move towards achieving sustainable development.

Moreover, the volatility in Israel’s power generation costs is intricately tied to the global trading prices of fossil fuels. In a proactive move to swiftly break free from the shackles of global fossil fuel price fluctuations and enhance control over energy expenditures, Israel is significantly boosting the allocated share for renewable energy installations while vigorously advancing its renewable energy sector.

Energy Plans in Israel

As of February 2022, the Israeli Ministry of Environment unveiled an ambitious renewable energy roadmap, aiming to achieve a 40% share of renewables in the country's power mix by 2030. This bold objective entails the installation of 18 GW to 23 GW of solar projects, coupled with 5.5 GW / 33 GWh of storage capacity. The surge in renewable energy sources and a heightened commitment to advancing the green and low-carbon transformation of the power system in Israel have intensified the need for diverse energy storage constructions.

In the realm of carbon reduction, Israel has set an ambitious target for installed energy storage by 2050, aiming for 50GW/230GWh with an average storage duration of approximately 4.6 hours. Currently, as part of its energy strategy, Israel has crafted several promotional policies to expedite the energy transition, all geared towards attaining the lofty objective of energy independence. Furthermore, the nation is charting a course away from heavy reliance on traditional fossil fuels, envisioning a revamped power structure centered on solar PV, a move designed to enhance control over energy costs. Given this strategic shift, TrendForce anticipates that Israel's new energy storage installations will surge to 1.1GW/3.4GWh in 2024, marking an impressive year-on-year growth of 214% and 206%, respectively.

Projections for the capacity of ESS installations in Israel in 2024 

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Growth Trends: The surge in installations is predominantly led by utility-scale energy storage, while residential and C&I ESS installations maintain robust growth rates.

As previously mentioned, TrendForce anticipates that new energy storage installations in Israel will hit 1.1GW/3.4GWh in 2024, with utility-scale energy storage playing a dominant role in this increment. The analysis reveals that the energy storage growth from 2023 to 2024 is chiefly propelled by the solar PV energy storage bidding projects (33GWh) conducted in 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, the consecutive announcements of new energy storage bidding projects provide a solid foundation for the expansion of utility-scale energy storage installations in the local region. Undoubtedly, ESS bidding projects and subsidy policies will drive the demand for local energy storage development. However, due to Israel's limited local land and the scarcity of available grid infrastructure areas, there is a heightened demand for utility-scale solar PV power plant projects in energy storage installations. Consequently, it is anticipated that future utility-scale projects will primarily revolve around the installation of solar PV energy storage systems.

Turning our attention to residential and C&I energy storage, with power prices maintaining high levels, the implementation of additional tariff subsidies for energy storage in 2023, along with relaxed market regulations, will continue to fuel rapid growth in residential and C&I energy storage installations. As a result, post-2025, they are poised to claim a higher proportion in the overall energy mix.

Development Trends: Israel has emerged as a pivotal market for China's solar PV enterprises venturing into the global arena.

n the present landscape of deepened economic globalization, the dynamics of the world economy and the roles of individual countries are undergoing significant transformations. Additionally, with mainstream market demand showing signs of stabilization (referring to markets established earlier and growing rapidly), companies are faced with the challenge of not only securing existing orders from these markets but also actively seeking new opportunities in overseas territories.

At present, Israel holds substantial importance for China’s solar PV energy storage enterprises looking to expand globally. Leading domestic players such as Trina Solar, Jinko Solar, LONGi, Huawei, Power China, CATL, Sungrow Power, BYD, and others have established business partnerships or collaborations with local enterprises in Israel. Among them, Israel stands out as a key region for Sungrow Power's energy storage business. This reflects the ongoing trend of Chinese solar PV companies strategically navigating global markets, with Israel playing a crucial role in their international endeavors.

According to partial data, Sungrow Power has inked multiple agreements for ESS project installations in Israel since 2022:

-In January 2022, Sungrow Power secured a deal with Enlight Renewable Energy, the largest new energy company in Israel, for the installation of its flagship liquid-cooled energy storage system (ESS), amounting to 430 MWh—the largest ESS project in Israel.

-March 2022 witnessed Sungrow Power receiving an order to install a 64MWh battery energy storage system at the Dalia Power Station combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant. This endeavor is geared towards emissions reduction and efficiency enhancement.

-In April 2022, Sungrow Power entered into a 66MW/253MWh energy storage contract with Doral Renewable Energy Resources Group, an Israeli renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure developer. The agreement mandates Sungrow Power to supply Doral with a 66MW/253MWh battery energy storage system, boasting slightly under four hours' duration.

-On March 3, 2023, Sungrow Power solidified its commitment by signing a battery storage supply agreement with Doral Renewable Energy Resources Group.

The international market stands out as a more lucrative arena, making it a crucial focal point for numerous Chinese companies looking to expand their energy storage ventures. The economic landscapes, policies, legal frameworks, religious and cultural nuances, as well as languages and customs vary across emerging markets, resulting in diverse requirements for the operations and products of energy storage companies.

In terms of project delivery, enterprises eyeing overseas expansion must possess the agility to swiftly adapt to the demands of local markets. In the current landscape where countries are hastening their energy transformation efforts, energy storage holds a strategic position of paramount importance, its significance and necessity beyond question. Presently, Israel has laid out a clear plan for energy storage installations and boasts specific subsidy policies aimed at stimulating demand growth. Consequently, the energy storage business in Israel is poised for rapid development, with expectations set for significant progress by 2024.

Reflecting on recent market trends, the cost of lithium carbonate and ESS bidding prices have remained at a low point, fostering an advantageous environment for heightened ESS demand. Although the ESS market is currently in its off-season, January witnessed growth in domestic ESS tender projects, and February saw an upswing in utility-level solar installations. Notably, with global interest rate reductions being implemented, there's anticipation that the demand for ESS will experience a significant surge.

In the realm of international markets, the EU Council and the European Parliament have clinched a tentative agreement to establish a framework of measures aimed at fortifying Europe's net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem, widely recognized as the 'net-zero industry act' (NZIA). The act remains aligned with the primary goals initially proposed by the Commission less than a year ago, specifically targeting the achievement of 40% production capacity to meet the EU's strategic technology product demands by 2030. Furthermore, this provisional accord brings forth several enhancements, including streamlined regulations for construction permits, the creation of net-zero industrial valleys, and increased clarity regarding criteria for public procurement and auctioning.

Part of dynamics of global energy storage market:

The UK government's move to eliminate VAT on home storage systems has officially taken effect, and Alcem, an energy storage company, has been granted approval for a sizable energy storage project boasting a capacity of 1.5GW/3GWh. In Greece, the second round of auctions for long-term operating grants for energy storage projects is now open for bidding, and the average winning bid has seen a notable decrease compared to the previous round.

Down under, the Australian state of Queensland has unveiled its official battery strategy plan, earmarking a substantial investment of 570 million Australian dollars for the local battery industry. Meanwhile, in India, the largest solar battery energy storage systems (BESS) are entering operation. The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has announced the commissioning of a massive 40MW/120MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh—India's largest solar-battery project funded by the World Bank. This project is linked with a 155.02MW (DC)/100MW (AC) solar plant.

Solar PV Installations in the Oversea Market

The U.S. added 148.1MW capacity of energy storage installations in January

In January 2024, the United States saw an increase in energy storage installations, adding 148.1MW of capacity. However, this marked an 88% decrease from the previous month's figure of 1,231MW in December 2023. The decline is attributed to the elevated base of installations towards the end of 2023 and the customary off-season at the beginning of the year. In terms of year-on-year growth, there was a significant surge of 126.8% in grid-connected capacity compared to January 2023, indicating the potential for further expansion.

Examining project locations, there are four new projects related to solar PV installations, with three projects situated in California and one in Texas. Looking ahead, the U.S. has ambitious plans for utility-scale energy storage, targeting an additional 14.6GW capacity in 2024, showcasing a remarkable year-on-year growth of 131.77%.

In the dynamic energy landscape of Europe:

United Kingdom:

Anticipation is high for a remarkable surge in energy storage installations in the United Kingdom. Recognized as Europe's most established utility-level energy storage market, the latest edition of the UK's official future energy vision plan outlines ambitious short-term goals, accompanied by the government's commitment to introducing incentives fostering further installation growth. Forecasts for 2024 predict a substantial explosion in energy storage installations, with new solar PV installations projected to soar to 7.2GWh—a striking 80% increase compared to the previous year.

Germany:

January witnessed Germany's home storage systems adding 55,000 units, contributing a capacity of 0.3GWh. While this marks a 23.7% year-on-year decline, there's a notable 12.1% uptick from the previous month. Currently in winter, the off-season for solar PV installations, nearly 80% of Germany's home energy storage and PV solar installations are reported by SolarPower. The utility-level energy storage installations in January were limited to 4.1MWh, reflecting a substantial year-on-year drop of 76.1% and a month-on-month decrease of 74%. Additionally, commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage installations totaled 13.6MWh, displaying a year-on-year decline of 9.9%, but with a modest month-on-month increase of 3.8%.

In the global realm of new energy transition planning, Europe stands at the forefront. TrendForce anticipates that in 2024, Europe's new energy storage capacity is set to hit 16.8 GW/30.5 GWh, showcasing an impressive year-on-year growth of 38% and 53%, maintaining its robust upward trajectory.

See the figure below for projections for energy storage installations in Europe in 2024.

https://preview.redd.it/yh38d0buyvmc1.png?width=863&format=png&auto=webp&s=7909f7d57c9cf58ab9968695eca3b933048bc844

Presently, mainstream European countries find themselves grappling with the aftermath of energy storage subsidy-based policies, with many facing budget exhaustion or subsidy retreat. The slowdown in the growth of home energy storage installations is causing a shift in market dynamics, leading to a decline in the dominance of countries where the ESS market is primarily household-focused. On the flip side, the United Kingdom is witnessing a significant uptick in utility-level energy storage capacity. The government tenders and market-based projects fueling utility-level installations contribute to its continued strong growth momentum.

Notably, Germany, Britain, and Italy emerge as the powerhouses dominating the landscape of energy storage installations in Europe.

In January and February 2024, a total of 99 new energy storage projects were commissioned, with a total capacity of nearly 3 GW/7,743 GWh. Of these, 2.457 GW/6.574 GWh were commissioned in January, accounting for 84.38% ，a 186.8%  increase compared to January 2023. However, the new energy storage capacity in February 2024 fell back to normal levels, with a capacity of 45 MW /1169 MWh, a 12.5% year-on-year increase.

Figure : Comparison of Installed Size of New Energy Storage, Jan-Feb 2024

https://preview.redd.it/icbawmowntmc1.png?width=1268&format=png&auto=webp&s=7ec123ac229faa1ae04c60843b1506d27dd12dbb

Grid-side energy storage accounted for more than a half , with significant growth in user-side energy storage projects.

In January and February 2024, a total of 17 grid-side and 17 source-side energy storage projects were commissioned. Grid-side energy storage projects totaled 1.613 GW/3.426 GWh, accounting for 55%. Shared energy storage projects accounted for the majority, with a scale exceeding half of the grid-side energy storage projects, and large-scale projects dominated, with 9 projects of over 100 MW commissioned, accounting for 83.5% of the total. Large-scale independent shared energy storage projects have become the main trend.

All source-side energy storage projects were new energy source-side storage projects, totaling 1.003 GW/3.316 GWh, accounting for 35%. Among them, the newly installed capacities of wind power storage and photovoltaic storage were comparable, with 440 MW/1580 MWh and 402.2 MW/1164.4 MWh. The scale of wind and solar energy storage projects was 160.6 MW /571.2 MWh, accounting for 16%.

Figure : Distribution of application scenarios of new energy storage projects on the power side, Jan-Feb 2024

https://preview.redd.it/ybeptunxntmc1.png?width=1269&format=png&auto=webp&s=744efc28c01dc55f1aff620717adbe67ce86e1d4

User-side energy storage projects grew rapidly, with 65 projects commissioned in January and February. The projects were mainly micro and small commercial and industrial projects, included several medium-sized commercial and industrial energy storage projects, totaling 297 MW/1001 MWh, accounting for 10% of the total. The projects were mainly concentrated in the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, with capacities far exceeding those of other provinces.

Figure : Distribution of Installed Size of New Energy Storage by Application Scenario, Jan-Feb 2024

https://preview.redd.it/nv2l1boyntmc1.png?width=1267&format=png&auto=webp&s=4f517dbf9c1b7f0b11479d589c6652c02347ab4b

Source: CESA

The United States confronts a formidable energy risk as it grapples with China's overwhelming dominance in solar panel production. Fifteen years ago, China exceeded the U.S. in production by sixfold; today, the gap has expanded to a staggering 70 times. This immense production capacity empowers China to install more than half of the world's new solar panels, underscoring concerns about the U.S.'s reliance on foreign-made solar capacity, often sourced from China.

https://preview.redd.it/p5ui7554w9mc1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=88a15c55baafd086ae91cfe352394cd0800cac6a

China's supremacy in solar technology is of paramount significance as solar energy positions itself to be the primary force in renewables by the decade's end. Acknowledging this vulnerability, the U.S. is now compelled to formulate strategies to address it. While the U.S. sporadically invested in solar manufacturing, China committed comprehensively, even in the face of daunting challenges.

To counter this, the U.S. is making substantial investments, amounting to billions, to re-enter the solar manufacturing arena. This strategic move is pivotal amid the accelerating shift toward renewable energy. The urgency is underscored by the tangible impacts of climate change, exemplified by the record-breaking heat of the summer of 2023. COP 28 underscores the imperative for a tripling of renewables by the decade's end, with solar projected to surpass onshore and offshore wind capacity by 2030.

Unlike other renewable sources, solar energy boasts swift deployment and scalability, offering a rapid reduction in emissions—a critical need in the current climate crisis. To comprehend the intricacies of this pivotal technology in sustainable energy solutions, it is crucial to delve into the composition of solar panels, with silicon emerging as a key material.

https://preview.redd.it/bbtfscc5w9mc1.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=88dbfbc13b66b2c9ec3d8ea697c4c521b2595079

Polysilicon, derived from sand, serves as the foundational element for solar modules but demands energy-intensive refinement. China's dominant position, commanding 89% of the global solar-grade polysilicon market, marks a transformative shift from two decades ago. China strategically transitioned from being a polysilicon importer to emerging as a dominant global supplier, underscoring intentional efforts to establish itself as an industry powerhouse.

Since 2004, China has adopted a strategic approach, bolstered by governmental support, propelling innovation, cost reduction, and achieving unparalleled manufacturing scale. This, coupled with market-driven ambition, enabled China to outpace competitors post-2008 when global manufacturing capacity surpassed demand. The U.S. and other nations underestimated the swift integration of solar energy, missing opportunities amid China's transformative phase.

The initial pioneers in the solar industry, such as SolarWorld, faced fierce competition and succumbed to the demanding business landscape in the U.S. China's strategic approach, addressing both supply and demand, involved enticing offers for manufacturing facilities and stimulating domestic demand. This dual-pronged strategy cultivated a robust domestic market and contributed significantly to China's energy independence.

China's influence has reshaped the solar landscape into a major global industry, surpassing expectations with substantial cost reductions. Anticipated solar capacity additions for the current year, totaling 392 gigawatts, highlight an extraordinary solar boom, with over half slated for installation in China. The U.S., sidelined in this expansion, grapples with debates about the risks associated with heavy reliance on China for crucial components.

https://preview.redd.it/0z8p4v96w9mc1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=6adb36e9fd8db7dcfa9f05870bd667bce0c6a50a

The Inflation Reduction Act allocates a significant $7 billion to support both the supply side and demand side for solar projects. As COP 28 concludes, solar energy gains increased prominence globally. The optimal strategy for the U.S. involves unwavering support for domestic manufacturing, ensuring control over supply chains. Despite potential higher costs, this approach prioritizes resilience and security, aligning with China's steadfast dedication to solar technology. The lesson learned underscores the necessity for the U.S. to demonstrate enduring commitment for global success in solar advancement.

Morocco, a country located in northern Africa, is rapidly emerging as a leader in renewable energy. The Moroccan government has taken bold action to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote green energy development by building one of the world's largest centralized solar power plants, the Zazat Solar Complex.

https://preview.redd.it/cc8240ygv9mc1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=9194180f1efbce184a6a97955db4c7af2201482e

Morocco's energy dependence issue

Morocco is the largest energy importer in North Africa, with over 90% of its energy resources requiring imports. Despite having abundant oil and natural gas reserves, the growth in domestic electricity demand has led to a high dependence on imported fuels. The annual electricity demand increases by 5.6%, but domestic supply cannot meet the demand, and the government spends billions of dollars annually importing fuel. This not only poses a heavy burden on the country's finances, but also poses a threat to energy security.

Morocco's Green Energy Strategy

n order to reduce his dependence on imported fuels, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has set an ambitious goal of meeting 52% of electricity demand through green energy by 2030. The achievement of this goal is crucial for Morocco as it can reduce energy dependence, reduce demand for imported oil, reduce carbon emissions, address climate change, and improve the sustainability of the domestic economy.

Formulation of new energy strategy

Due to Morocco's relatively limited water resources, most rivers dry up for most of the time. Therefore, the government has decided to adopt a more forward-looking energy strategy, listing solar and wind energy as the most important types of energy. The formulation of this strategy is logical, as Morocco has sufficient solar resources. There are over 300 sunny days every year, with ample sunlight, making it an ideal place for solar power generation.

Construction of Zazat Solar Complex

Zazat Solar Complex is located in the Atlas Mountains in the west of the Sahara Desert, only 20 kilometers away from the provincial capital, Samasdra. The annual average solar radiation here is extremely high, reaching 2635 kilowatt hours per square meter, which is one of the highest in the world. Therefore, the Zazat region has been chosen as an ideal location for building solar complexes.The solar complex covers an area of 3000 hectares, equivalent to the area of 3500 football fields. It consists of four independent solar power plants, each using different technologies, including cylindrical parabolic mirror technology, solar tower technology, and photovoltaic power generation technology.

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https://preview.redd.it/33y3zwuhv9mc1.png?width=640&format=png&auto=webp&s=d62ae94d29e97efc94dcecd0b84d20a19d79728c

The first phase of construction began in 2013, while the final part was completed in 2018. This power generation plan is based on centralized solar energy technology, where the system uses a large number of mirrors or solar reflectors to focus the sunlight, which heats the liquid and generates steam to drive the turbine to generate electricity. In certain parts of the power plant, water is also used as a coolant, with a total consumption of up to 3 million cubic meters per year. In addition, the complex is equipped with a molten salt storage tank that can store thermal energy, enabling electricity to be generated at night. In order to maintain the temperature of the molten salt mixture above 110 degrees Celsius and the temperature of the synthetic oil used as a heating medium above 8 degrees Celsius, 19 tons of diesel fuel are required per day.

https://preview.redd.it/zvl7ypbjv9mc1.png?width=600&format=png&auto=webp&s=bff485b34a950375715e8278e209320126578cae

The Impact of Zazat Solar Complex

The Zazat solar complex is not only a huge infrastructure, but also a tourist attraction. The complex features a 16 hectare theme park inspired by maps from Morocco, as well as a hall, media library, and a tower providing panoramic views. However, most importantly,it represents Morocco's commitment to renewable energy.Since the operation of the Zazat solar power station, 37% of Morocco's electricity comes from renewable sources. This achievement has earned Morocco the praise of the international community. Due to its active efforts on global warming, Morocco has received high praise from the European Union and world organizations.

In addition, every year, the carbon free energy generated by the Zazat solar complex is equivalent to 2.5 million tons of imported oil. This not only helps reduce Morocco's dependence on imported oil, but also makes it possible for Morocco to export green energy to neighboring countries. Morocco has started implementing some large-scale export projects, which will have a positive impact on the local economy.

In summary, Morocco has achieved remarkable results through projects such as the construction of the Zazat solar complex. This not only reduces energy dependence, but also sets an example for the sustainable development of the country. The Zazat solar complex is a typical success story that inspires other countries to actively take action and find suitable renewable energy solutions to achieve sustainable and clean energy.

Can I introduce everyone to BatteryDesign.net ?

It's a free resource for battery designers with benchmarking data on cells and packs.

Hi! This is my first time posting here. I'm doing some research about renewable energy sources, and thought this would be a good place to get some feedback. What do you think of this statement: the greatest barrier preventing industries to switch to renewable energy sources is the cost. Do you agree? I'd love to hear some of your thoughts.

Here's a list of 26 thermal energy storage companies.

The NFPA is hosting a webinar on ESS and PV installation tomorrow at noon EST for anyone interested! https://nfpa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P8uUWg0KQ1a2Jux8n-JVOQ#/registration

Hi.

Im currently doing a school paper, where I am looking into the Flywheel Technology. I am looking for cases where companies have tried this for the private markets in collaboration with PV's, EV's, or just for the peak demands like the boiler and electrical ovens/heating turning on.

Do anyone know if there is some information out there about this, experiences, problems with it, prices ++.

Any input, feedback, information is appreciated :)

https://www.ecaico.com/2024/01/Solar-power-system-design-and-calculations.html

When it comes to energy storage in Europe, the initial association for most individuals is typically home energy storage. However, with the reduced costs of solar and energy storage in 2023, the utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) and large storage market in Europe are experiencing a gradual boom. The scale of energy storage projects is on the rise, propelling Europe to the forefront of the world's new energy transformation planning.

In light of this, TrendForce anticipates a substantial increase in new energy storage installations in Europe, expecting to reach 16.8 GW/30.5 GWh – a notable surge of 38% and 53%, sustaining a period of high growth.

Presently, subsidized energy storage policies in mainstream European countries are largely facing budget exhaustion or amount retreat. As the growth of home storage slows down, the proportion of installations in countries primarily focused on residential energy storage is declining. Contrastingly, in the United Kingdom, where utility-scale energy storage dominates, there has been a significant increase. The demand for large-sized energy storage is primarily being fueled by government tenders and market-based projects, signaling a robust growth momentum.

Furthermore, Germany, Britain, and Italy stand out as the three countries with the most substantial installed demand in Europe.

Europe’s utility-scale energy storage systems (ESS) are on the rise, boasting a robust revenue model.

The European large storage market is starting to shape up. According to data from the European Energy Storage Association (EASE), new energy storage installations in Europe reached approximately 4.5GW in 2022. Among these, utility-scale ESS installations accounted for 2GW, representing 44% of the total power. EASE predicts that in 2023, new European energy storage installations will surpass 6GW, with utility-scale ESS installations expected to be at least 3.5GW. This points to the growing significance of utility-scale energy storage in Europe.

Wood Mackenzie’s forecast suggests that by 2031, cumulative installations of utility-scale ESS in Europe will reach 42GW/89GWh, with the UK, Italy, Germany, and Spain leading the utility-scale storage market. The growth of renewable energy installations and the continuous refinement of revenue models are driving the development of utility-scale energy storage in Europe.

The demand for utility-scale ESS installations is derived from the need for flexible energy management due to the integration of renewable energy into the grid. The REPower EU aims to have renewable energy installations account for 45% of the EU's energy mix by 2030. Fueled by this objective, renewable energy installations in Europe will persistently grow, fostering the expansion of utility-scale energy storage installations.

Europe’s utility-scale energy storage installations are primarily propelled by market dynamics, with power stations generating revenue mainly through auxiliary services and peak arbitrage. However, as highlighted in the European Commission's working paper released in early 2023, the currently deployed utility-scale ESS in Europe present significant returns. Despite this, investors remain skeptical due to fluctuations in the return standard for auxiliary services and the uncertainty surrounding the capacity in the auxiliary services market, challenging the belief in the sustainability of commercial returns for large-scale storage power stations.

In terms of policy guidance, European countries are progressively advocating for revenue stacking. This approach aims to enable energy storage power stations to benefit not only from auxiliary services but also from energy and capacity markets, among other avenues. The goal is to encourage the widespread deployment of utility-scale storage power stations.

Delving into specifics, the energy storage market in the United Kingdom stands out for its diverse revenue sources and rich revenue stacking. The relatively high degree of liberalization in the UK electricity market has laid the foundation for a robust revenue mechanism for energy storage plants. With over 10 ways for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to generate revenue, ranging from the high-value FM service market and standby market to the lower-value energy market, the UK exemplifies a multifaceted approach. Simultaneously, the declining cost of ESS contributes to reducing the construction expenses of energy storage power plants, further enhancing their economic viability.

The UK stands at the forefront of the European large storage market, boasting impressive growth in installed capacity and a wealth of project reserves. According to EASE data for 2022, the UK witnessed the highest installations of utility-scale energy storage, reaching 830MWh, a notable achievement that surpassed all others in Europe. Furthermore, its cumulative installations reached 2.4GW/2.6GWh, securing the top spot in the region. According to Solar Media data, the UK approved a substantial 20.2GW of utility-scale energy storage projects by the end of 2022, set to be completed within the next 3 to 4 years. Additionally, the country has planned and deployed a substantial 61.5GW of Energy Storage Systems (ESS), signaling ample room for further growth.

In the United Kingdom, there is a demand for power supply guarantees and enhanced power grid stability, providing strong impetus for the promotion of utility-scale energy storage. As the UK fervently develops renewable energy, there remains a need to continue promoting the construction of utility-scale ESS. This ensures that large-scale integration of renewable energy into the power system receives adequate support.

While Europe has sufficient planning for utility-scale energy storage projects, the uncertainty lies in their implementation and construction. Nevertheless, Europe has taken a leading role by proposing a 2050 carbon neutrality target, acknowledging the imperative nature of energy transition. With the increasing share of new energy in the energy mix, energy storage becomes a crucial component, leading to an expected rapid growth in ESS installations.

Residential storage is set to continue its development, with residential PV systems and storage systems retaining their strong economic viability.

The advancement of residential energy storage has entered its second phase, and its compelling economics are poised to drive its sustained growth. As the natural gas supply shortage in Europe eases, local natural gas and electricity prices have seen a significant decline compared to the same period last year. By December 2023, in Germany, for instance, the local electricity price has plummeted to 0.1 euros/KWh and even lower. As the local energy crisis eases, there has been an accumulation of residential storage products exported to Europe.

According to Customs data, domestic inverter product exports to the Netherlands experienced a decline between January and October 2023. However, in November, the number of domestic shipments of inverters to the Netherlands surged to 233,000, marking the first positive month-on-month increase since August. This signals a positive shift in the market and highlights the resilience of residential storage products in the face of changing economic conditions.

The energy crisis sparked by the Russian-Ukrainian geopolitical conflict in 2022 brought widespread attention to residential PV and storage systems, as well as other green energy products across Europe. Despite the reduction in interest rates for PV ESS, the economic potential of residential PV and energy storage products still has significant room for improvement. Calculations indicate that with an electricity price of 0.11 euros/KWh and an investment cost of 0.35 euros/Wh for PV and storage ESS, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) remains high at 12.7%, with a payback period of approximately 6 years. As electricity prices normalize, the ongoing decrease in investment costs for PV and energy storage systems is expected to further stimulate local demand for green energy products like residential ESS.

In the short term, the gross profit rate of energy storage products outside the country will likely remain higher than that within the country. In recent years, energy storage manufacturers have enjoyed higher gross profit margins when selling products in the overseas market, although the gap is gradually narrowing. In the first half of 2023, each enterprise's gross profit margin is around 20%. The primary reason is that overseas users prioritize brand reputation and installation economics, showing less sensitivity to price. Looking ahead, with increased competition in the industry, it is anticipated that gross profit margins for products sold in the overseas market will remain higher, though the gap will continue to narrow.

Energy storage products are gradually transitioning from split machines to integrated machines. Presently, most residential energy storage products in the market follow a split-type model, where battery cell manufacturers and inverter manufacturers supply their products separately to integrators or users. However, in recent years, an increasing number of inverter manufacturers have started integrating their products and selling them independently. This shift has advantages, as the all-in-one machine not only yields higher gross profits, enhancing enterprise profitability, but it is also easier to install and maintain, thereby saving costs for consumers.

Since the second half of 2023, the European home storage market has experienced inventory build-up and a decline in demand, prompting varied expectations in the industry for 2024. Although the installation growth rate in the European market in 2024 is expected to be slower than that in 2023, it will still maintain a high growth rate, primarily supported by the rise in utility energy storage installations. The demand for utility energy storage in mainstream European countries is primarily driven by government tenders and market projects. Concurrently, with the increased application of utility-scale energy storage projects on the grid side and the power side, there remains a robust growth momentum in installed capacity.

In the first half of 2023, the U.S. market experienced a noteworthy development, marking a new installed capacity of 2.5GW/7.7GWh in energy storage. However, due to supply chain challenges and delays in connecting large-sized energy storage to the grid, installations fell below expectations. In Q3, as these issues started to alleviate, significant growth in large-sized energy storage became evident, surpassing the previous month's figures. The overall installed capacity in the United States continued to exhibit steady quarter-by-quarter growth.

In the realm of the U.S. energy storage market, the spotlight is on large-sized energy storage, renowned for its impressive economic viability and diverse profitability models, offering substantial potential. According to EIA data, the utility-level (1MW or more) new energy storage installed capacity in the U.S. reached 6.22GW in 2023, reflecting a remarkable 50.6% year-on-year increase.

Outlook for the United States in 2024:

The outlook for installations in the U.S. market is positive, fueled by ample project reserves, a gradual easing of supply chain challenges, and the finalization of IRA subsidy rules.

As a major player in the global energy storage market, the United States boasts abundant project reserves. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the installed capacity of utility-grade energy storage (1MW and above) in the U.S. could potentially reach 14.53GW in 2024 (compared to last month's forecast of 14.59GW), indicating a remarkable year-on-year increase of 133.6%. It's worth noting that this planned installed capacity data is continuously updated.

Looking at the bigger picture, the costs on the supply side, including battery cells and capital expenses, are anticipated to decrease. The introduction of IRA and the facilitation of grid connections in the United States, supported by policies, are expected to contribute to a surge in large-sized energy storage installations, propelling the industry into a period of growth and prosperity.

Enhancements for Delayed Large-Sized Energy Storage Installations:

The United States is taking steps to address issues that have been causing delays in large-sized energy storage installations. In the short term, the pivotal factor lies in the willingness of project developers, particularly for those energy storage projects that have already received approval. Looking ahead in the medium and long term, it becomes crucial to have a greater number of projects in the queue awaiting grid permits, ensuring a sustained and accelerated growth in energy storage.

Short-term obstacles to developers' enthusiasm primarily stem from economic factors, such as increasing financing rates and the rapid decline in lithium carbonate prices. Furthermore, challenges like transformer shortages, personnel deficits, and constraints posed by IRA rules also play a role in hindering progress. Addressing these issues comprehensively is vital for overcoming barriers and fostering a more robust environment for large-sized energy storage installations in the United States.

The comprehensive rules and regulations of the IRA have been enacted, signaling an anticipated acceleration in energy storage installations.

Tailored specifically for U.S. local manufacturing, the detailed rules and regulations of the IRA have been unveiled, promising to expedite the growth of energy storage installations. On May 12th, 2023, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the Department of the Treasury officially released the preliminary guidance for the IRA Act, focusing on incentive subsidies related to local manufacturing.

The updated subsidy rules will be categorized into three types: investment tax credits (ITC), production tax credits (PTC), and advanced manufacturing production tax credits. ITC covers the initial investment cost, PTC is tied to the amount of electricity generated, and the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit mandates the completion of the product within the U.S. It's important to note that the ITC subsidy is exclusively applicable to energy storage projects. With these regulations in place, the stage is set for a more rapid and robust growth in the energy storage installation sector.

For large-scale energy storage projects exceeding 1MW, meeting the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements is imperative to qualify for the favorable 30% bonus rate outlined in Sections 48 and 48E.

There are two exemptions to these requirements. Firstly, smaller-scale energy storage projects (under 1MW) automatically qualify for the 30% bonus rate, regardless of compliance with prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards. Secondly, energy storage projects not in service before Jan. 1, 2022, and those on which construction commences before Jan. 29, 2023 (60 days after the IRS issued Notice 2022-61), are eligible for the bonus rate without the need for adherence to prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

Furthermore, the maximum subsidy can reach up to 70% after meeting specific criteria, including local manufacturing, being situated in an energy community, and qualifying as a low-income community. The finalization of rules for large-scale subsidy projects is expected to expedite the construction of domestic energy storage projects.

With a simplified policy process and considering preliminary project reserves, TrendForce anticipates U.S. energy storage installations to reach 13.7GW/43.4GWh in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 23% and 25%.

Projections for Energy Storage Installations in the United States in 2024

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Although this is a slowdown compared to the over 100% growth in 2023, the detailed categories highlight the impressive performance of large-sized energy storage in the United States. Weak coordination in the U.S. local power grid, coupled with increased wind power generation and support from ITC subsidies, positions large-sized energy storage with high economic and diversified profitability models, signaling significant potential for rapid growth.

On one hand, the industry witnesses iterative technological updates, while on the other hand, production costs continue to decline. This dual dynamic of endogenous growth within the energy storage industry and exogenous power factors will jointly drive the industry's rapid development. In conclusion, enterprises actively engaging in overseas expansion with leading technologies are poised to capitalize on opportunities and benefit from the supply chain of large-sized energy storage in the United States.