Storage & Flexibility Modelling

• This project developed energy system modelling capability to increase understanding of the role of energy storage and system flexibility in the future energy system
• The modelling capability provided a whole systems view of the different services that could be provided and at which points in the energy system they are most appropriate
• The project was led by the management consultancy Baringa Partners, who previously developed the ETI energy system design and planning capability Energy System Modelling Environment

Management consultancy Baringa Partners delivered this project to develop the capability to improve understanding with regards the future role of energy storage and the provision of cross-vector system flexibility within the context of the overall UK energy system.

The project was split into two stages:

The first stage provided a modelling framework that helped us to understand the services that storage and flexibility could provide for multiple energy vectors electricity, heat, hydrogen and gas at different time and space resolutions. It provided a detailed examination of the operation of storage within the energy system and an assessment of its near term (5-10 years) market potential.

The second stage enabled the developed modelling framework to operate in conjunction with other ETI models, such as its Energy System Modelling Environment. This allowed the ETI to undertake assessments of long term energy system scenarios to fully understand the role for storage and flexibility.

The project also sought to identify the policy and market arrangements to determine the commercial viability of energy storage, the shape of potential future energy storage markets and the regulatory factors that would be required for such an operational market.