Remember how the Denialists told us that intermittent renewables would destroy grid stability? Now we find that stabilizing the frequency with grid-scale batteries and DC-AC inverters is of at least equal importance. Grid operators pay real money for it. We have of course been talking about using grid-scale battery and other storage for load balancing and time shifting for years.
One big battery installation in Australia has been worth AUD [Australian dollars] 40 million in its first year alone. And they are just getting started.
Australia to host 600 MW battery — PV Magazine
As the developer of the world’s largest operating battery – the 100MW/129MWh Tesla big battery in South Australia, known as the Hornsdale Power Reserve – Neoen has enjoyed a significant surge in revenues. Frequency control ancillary services (FCAS) provided by the Tesla Big Battery, which is now set for a 50% expansion [image above], contributed most of the 56% jump in revenue banked by Neoen in the final quarter of last year.
In its first year of operation, the Tesla Big Battery saved almost AUD 40 million in grid-stabilization costs. But perhaps the project’s most significant contribution is that it has raised the profile of energy storage and has demonstrated its unique capabilities.
Pretty soon we'll be talking about big installations, and real money.