Will the success of the research project of the PGE energy storage facility on Mount Żar drive further activities?
In early June, the results of a year and a half of research on the energy storage facility located on Mount Żar, owned by PGE Energia Odnawialna, were unveiled. The test outcomes validate the capability of this energy storage system to effectively deliver system services. Notably, these systems enhance the operational flexibility of the collaborating facilities and contribute to stabilizing the performance of medium-voltage distribution networks.
The energy storage system, established in 2021 adjacent to the photovoltaic farm owned by PGE Energia Odnawialna, boasts a capacity of 500 kW and a usable capacity of 750 kWh. The setup comprises two containers housing battery systems utilizing NMC (lithium-nickel-magnesium-cobalt) technology, along with AC/DC converters and an LV/MV transformer station.
The project’s primary objective was to carry out research and simulations aimed at validating the potential of energy storage. Throughout the project, a series of trials were conducted to assess the collaboration between the storage facility and the adjacent photovoltaic farm. Additionally, the installation’s impact on distribution network parameters was thoroughly examined.
More projects in the plans
As per its strategy, the PGE Group plans to establish energy storage facilities amounting to a collective capacity of at least 800 MW by 2030. A prominent project, boasting a capacity of 205 MW, is in progress in Żarnowiec. Additionally, energy storage systems are earmarked for construction at various wind farms under the company’s ownership.
The outcomes gleaned from successive projects will enable the PGE Group to implement innovative concepts such as cable pooling. The piloted storage facility is intended to function as a simulated site for evaluating the operation of other company assets, including a pumped-storage power plant, in the future.
What’s next?
The successful completion of the Mount Żar project serves as another compelling demonstration of the substantial benefits that energy storage can bring to our energy networks. With the rapid advancement of renewable energy sources, investing in energy storage for both industries and households has become an imperative.
The challenge of managing grid operations amidst the variability of renewable energy sources is a hurdle confronting power infrastructure operators and policymakers alike. Traditional approaches involving the flexibility of large power generators often fall short when it comes to addressing the needs of local grids, particularly at the medium and low voltage levels.
Energy storage solutions offer a promising avenue to address these challenges and introduce new possibilities for integrating renewable energy sources. They provide a safeguard against grid destabilization and potential shutdowns of solar or wind installations.
The favorable outcomes achieved in PGE’s research endeavor solidify the efficacy of such solutions and warrant further large-scale projects. These positive results pave the way for continued advancements in the realm of energy storage.
Source: PGE