Assessment of energy storage operational carbon emissions using time varying emission factors

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Chinese explanation / 中文解读

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Original abstract

The widespread deployment of Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) is critical for renewable energy integration and power system decarbonization. However, the net carbon impact of ESS operation remains debatable, particularly in fossil-fuel-dependent grids. This study develops a dynamic assessment framework using time-varying carbon intensity signals to evaluate the operational carbon footprint of ESSs, employing the 2022 Jiangsu Provincial grid as a case study. We construct annual hourly net load profiles and simulate the dispatch of two representative ESSs-Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) and Battery Energy Storage (BES)-for peak shaving and valley filling. Results show that the PHS system, with its inflexible dispatch and lower round-trip efficiency, generated a net positive carbon emission intensity. Conversely, the highly flexible BES system, with superior efficiency, achieved a net negative intensity, reducing overall emissions. Sensitivity analysis reveals that higher renewable penetration enhances the carbon abatement potential of BES, while extending storage duration beyond 4 h diminishes marginal returns due to increased energy losses and suboptimal dispatch. These findings underscore that operational flexibility, system efficiency, and alignment with dynamic carbon signals are paramount for maximizing the environmental benefits of energy storage.

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