Benefits of large-scale energy storage systems in French islands

Abstract

This study presents the benefits obtained with large-scale energy storage systems (ESS) in French islands. The authors focus on two projects. PEGASE demonstrator project (territory of la Réunion): By (i) setting-up a dedicated information system, (ii) elaborating innovative generation forecast methods, and (iii) developing energy management systems, the authors combine successfully a large-scale 1 MW battery-type storage system and renewable energy (RE) farms in order to smooth an intermittent generation and inject into the grid a controlled power. The efficiency score obtained on dozens of days, close to 90%, for photovoltaic and wind smoothing, demonstrates the relevance of the developments carried out during the project. ‘Non-interconnected zones frequency containment reserve (FCR) storage’ project (territories of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and la Réunion). We present the interest of using 5 MW ESS as FCR in several French islands. The results obtained with dedicated simulation tools developed by Electricité De France R&D show that centralised ESS, installed on dedicated feeders that cannot be shed, efficiently provide power in case of frequency drops. Benefits from a quality of supply and economical point of view are generated. Finally, the possibility of increasing the RE share in the electricity generation mixes is discussed.