Increasing the value of solar: The opportunity for bulk energy storage with pumped hydro in the USA

Matthew Stocks, Ryan Stocks, Bin Lu, Cheng Cheng, Andrew Blakers

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    2 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Good solar photovoltaic generation facilities are now the lowest cost source of electricity generation. However, solar generation is highly self-correlated and not well correlated to peak demand, leading to lower prices for solar generation relative to average value in markets. Energy storage provides the opportunity to shift generation from the middle of the day to meet evening and early morning peaks. Pumped hydro energy storage is the largest and cheapest source of electricity. Sites searching indicates that there are vastly more sites in the USA than could be needed for 100% renewable electricity. Levelised cost of storage for good pumped hydro sites is low. Continued installation of solar is enhancing the 'duck curve' effect, increasing the viability of bulk energy storage.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication2021 IEEE 48th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2021
    PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
    Pages586-589
    Number of pages4
    ISBN (Electronic)9781665419222
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 20 Jun 2021
    Event48th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2021 - Fort Lauderdale, United States
    Duration: 20 Jun 202125 Jun 2021

    Publication series

    NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
    ISSN (Print)0160-8371

    Conference

    Conference48th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2021
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityFort Lauderdale
    Period20/06/2125/06/21

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