Bloemfontein grid energy storage policy document

What are energy storage policies?

These policies are mostly concentrated around battery storage system, which is considered to be the fastest growing energy storage technology due to its efficiency, flexibility and rapidly decreasing cost. ESS policies are primarily found in regions with highly developed economies, that have advanced knowledge and expertise in the sector.

How ESS is used in smart power grids?

ESS is used in smart power grids as technical support. An energy system that combines ESS with solar PV should be build. ESS with sufficient reaction time and capacity should be constructed into energy micro grids. Micro power grids that incorporate information and advanced ESS technologies should be actively developed.

How do ESS policies promote energy storage?

ESS policies mostly promote energy storage by providing incentives, soft loans, targets and a level playing field. Nevertheless, a relatively small number of countries around the world have implemented the ESS policies.

Are energy tariffs and levies exempt in front of ESS facilities?

Under the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), grid tariffs and levies are exempted for in front of the metre ESS facilities. This is as long as the stored energy is fed back into the grid. The EEG was updated in 2017 and the exemptions was expanded under §61k for loss of energy and self-supply of storage .

What are energy storage policy tools?

In general, policies are designed to establish boundaries and provide regulatory guidelines. According to the Energy Storage Association (ESA), the policy tools fall under three categories which are value, access and competition .

Do energy storage systems provide ancillary services?

However, the intermittent nature of renewable energy requires the support of energy storage systems (ESS) to provide ancillary services and save excess energy for use at a later time. ESS policies have been proposed in some countries to support the renewable energy integration and grid stability.