Energy Storage Helps TVA Enhance Renewable Energy Resources
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) aspires to have a carbon-free energy system by 2050, which includes the deployment and installation of 10GW of solar by 2035.
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The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is making significant strides in its journey towards a carbon-free energy system by 2050, with a focus on integrating renewable energy resources and energy storage technologies. TVA aims to deploy 10GW of solar by 2035, supported by an increasing number of energy storage systems to enhance grid flexibility and reliability.
Energy storage technologies, including pumped storage hydropower, compressed air energy storage, and batteries, play a crucial role in smoothing out the inconsistent energy production from renewable sources. These systems help address the challenges posed by the ‘duck curve’, which represents the imbalance between electricity demand and solar energy availability throughout the day.
TVA distinguishes between short-duration and long-duration energy storage:
1. Short-duration storage (4-6 hours):
– Primarily uses lithium-ion batteries
– Smooths and stabilises energy from renewable sources
– Research ongoing into other battery chemistries
2. Long-duration storage (over 6 hours):
– Includes pumped hydro, compressed air, and gravity storage
– Provides backup power during extreme weather events
– TVA’s Raccoon Mountain pumped hydro facility has been operational for 60 years
In July 2024, TVA connected its first grid-scale battery energy storage system to the grid in Vonore, Tennessee. This 20MW/40MWh lithium-ion battery system can power over 5,300 homes and represents a significant step towards TVA’s future energy system.
The Vonore Battery Energy Storage System incorporates robust safety measures, including:
– Advanced Battery Monitoring System
– Safe distances and barriers
– First responder training
– Automatic Fire Protection System meeting UL 9540 standards
TVA’s commitment to energy storage exploration and deployment is part of its strategy to build flexibility into the system and prepare for future challenges. As decarbonisation and decentralisation efforts continue to transform the grid, TVA will explore additional forms of energy storage to increase system resiliency and performance.
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