New article on the role of energy storage to decarbonize the German electricity system

Germany is under increasing pressure to rapidly decarbonize its electricity system, while ensuring a secure and affordable electricity supply. In this context, energy storage systems (ESSs) can play a crucial role in enabling a high share of variable renewable electricity generation.

Our latest research explores the "what-where-when" dimensions of energy storage for the German electricity system. More specifically, our study introduces MANGOelec, a model for the long-term optimal design of electricity systems, and uses it to analyse: (i) the optimal storage technology mix (what), (ii) the daily and seasonal operation of storage technologies (what), (iii) the timing of the investment (when), and (iv) their optimal placement (where).

The study’s results indicate that a mix of short- and long-term storage is needed, independent of external factors. Battery storage potentials are close to fully exploited across all regions and the technology is solely used for daily operation. Hydrogen storage, on the other hand, is primarily installed in a small set of regions and operated exclusively as a seasonal storage option. The results also suggest that independent of the storage technology chosen, their deployment commences after 2030 and is completed by 2045.

The article was co-authored by SusTec’s Paula Thimet and Georgios Mavromatidis. You can find the full article Download here.