Should ESS be used in a solar auction?

Although some auctions are focused on ESS or solar plus storage, deployment targets emphasize only renewable energy generation and do not account for energy storage systems. Moreover, some regulations may be unfavorable to the deployment of ESS, such as the net-metering scheme on a flat tarif.

Should ESS be regulated?

This scheme has provided an incentive for consumers to invest in distributed renewable energy such as rooftop solar systems, but provides no incentive for BTM energy storage, within a flat tarif pricing structure. Regulations should cater to creating the necessary price signals to incentivize investments in ESS.

What are energy storage systems (ESS)?

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) play a critical role in the integration of VRE into the power grid, as these systems manage the intermittencies of renewable energy resources and mitigate potential power supply disruptions.

Is ESS a viable technology in MENA?

With the lack of a long-duration grid-scale ESS to date, ESS is still viewed as an emerging technology in MENA and associated with high technology and financing risks by the private sector. Accordingly, ESS projects might require more equity spending as compared to conventional power and renewables projects for the short to medium term.

How many ESS projects are there in MENA?

There are 30 ESS projects planned in MENA between 2021 and 2025 with a total capacity/energy of 653 MW/3,382 MWh – out of which 24 projects are for VRE integration and grid firming. The share of batteries out of the total energy storage landscape in MENA is expected to jump from the current 7% to 45% by 2025.

How long does a MENA ESS project last?

MENA storage duration ranges between 32 minutes and 2 hours in the case of Li-Ion batteries, 6 hours for NaS, and 10 hours in the case of thermal storage8. 7 According to the Department of Energy Global Energy Storage Database. 8 Details of MENA ESS projects are listed in Annex II.