Energy Storage Systems Research Hub

A multi‑objective optimisation framework evaluates battery, pumped hydro, compressed air and hybrid configurations under realistic system constraints. Without storage, renewable penetration is limited to about 28.6% and daily emissions reach 1538t CO₂. A pumped‑hydro‑plus‑battery configuration enables 40% renewable penetration and reduces emissions by roughly 40%, while lowering system costs [1]. Scalability is demonstrated on larger test systems, and future work points to stochastic modelling and sector coupling [1].

Hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) combine complementary devices such as batteries, supercapacitors and hydrogen systems to mitigate the variability of renewable energy. A review of recent work discusses components, design considerations, control strategies and applications. Case studies highlight how HESS improve grid stability and reliability. Key challenges include intelligent control, sustainable materials and efficient recycling processes for widespread adoption [2].

A multi‑criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework synthesises techno‑economic optimisation, lifecycle emissions and policy factors to guide the deployment of integrated energy storage systems (IESS). Hybrid configurations such as battery–supercapacitor improve grid stability by around 15% in high‑renewable scenarios, while regional policies can reduce deployment timelines by 30–40% and cut energy poverty by one‑quarter [3]. The framework also emphasises circular‑economy mandates like 70% lithium recovery to reduce raw material costs [3].

Modelling a zero‑emissions Western Interconnect under 39 scenarios shows that long‑duration energy storage (LDES) is particularly valuable in wind‑dominated regions and regions with declining hydropower. Seasonal operation becomes cost‑effective when capital costs fall below around 5 US$/kWh, and mandating enough LDES to enable year‑long cycles can reduce peak electricity prices by more than 70%[4].