Drivers and benefits of shared demand-side battery storage - an Australian case study

Electrical energy storage (EES) has the potential to facilitate the transition to renewable energy supply in the future as it brings flexibility into the electricity network. Uncertainties exist around regulation, commercial models, technology and cost but EES is recognized among experts as being part of the solution. This study offers an economic analysis of the role of EES in the low-voltage (LV) network as shared asset between rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system owners, distribution network and energy trading companies. A conceptual analysis of relevant drivers, such as increasing distributed energy resources (DER; primarily rooftop PV), decreasing EES cost, and expected benefits are assessed in a case study using annual sample data from a distribution network in eastern New South Wales, Australia. The study finds that shared EES located in the LV network, if joint revenue from PV customers, distribution network and energy trading companies is captured, can become NPV positive in 2023 and bring additional benefits to a range of stakeholders. A 500 kWh battery located next to a transformer and mitigating up to 30% overload is found to be optimal. However, multiple regulatory challenges need to be overcome to enable shared usage of EES in vertically disintegrated energy sectors.