Data-driven exploration of the carbon emissions impact of grid energy storage

‘DIGEST’ (Data-driven Exploration of the Carbon Emissions Impact of Grid Energy Storage Deployment and Dispatch) is a UKRI/EPSRC-funded research project involving Oxford University, Brunel University of London and Imperial College London.

The project investigates the impact of grid energy storage systems on power system carbon dioxide emissions.

DIGEST focuses on the integration of grid energy storage, aiming to quantify the potential carbon emissions savings achieved through optimal storage placement and operation. By strategically locating storage, the project seeks to minimise renewable energy curtailment and reduce reliance on fossil fuel generation. While energy storage offers numerous benefits to the power grid and is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the UK's net-zero targets, financial and environmental incentives are not always aligned—particularly when storage is situated far from excess renewable generation or separated by network congestion.

The project tests two key hypotheses:

1. Carbon emissions reductions occur when the location-specific impacts of storage during dispatch are considered.
2. Optimal storage placement within the network can significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy generation.

To evaluate these hypotheses, DIGEST is developing novel Great Britain (GB) transmission grid and market models. The research involves two scenario groups:

• Existing and near-term storage: Assessing the emissions impact of current and soon-to-be-built storage and identifying ways to further reduce emissions.
• Future projections: Analysing how emissions will evolve over the next 15 years, considering planned generation, storage expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and new energy demands.

This research will provide critical insights into how storage can be optimally deployed to support a low-carbon electricity system.

The project tests two key hypotheses:

1. Carbon emissions reductions occur when the location-specific impacts of storage during dispatch are considered.
2. Optimal storage placement within the network can significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy generation.

To evaluate these hypotheses, DIGEST is developing novel Great Britain (GB) transmission grid and market models. The research involves two scenario groups:

• Existing and near-term storage: Assessing the emissions impact of current and soon-to-be-built storage and identifying ways to further reduce emissions.
• Future projections: Analysing how emissions will evolve over the next 15 years, considering planned generation, storage expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and new energy demands.

This research will provide critical insights into how storage can be optimally deployed to support a low-carbon electricity system.