Energy storage, key for the decarbonisation of the electricity system

Magtel Hydro and Environment Director, Arturo Buenaventura, participated in a panel on energy storage moderated by the Spanish Association for Energy Storage (ASEALEN), which was held during the 2021 Genera, Energy and Environment Fair 2021. The initiative was organised by IFEMA, in collaboration with the Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE) and the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.

Buenaventura detailed the keys for the decarbonisation of the electricity system and, specifically, the advantages that will be provided by reverse-flow hydropower plants because of their contribution to the synchronous inertia of the electricity system. This is because of its turbo machines and generators, the strengthening of its stability through participation in adjustment services, assisting with technical restrictions and deviation management, and system security due to its frequency stability and autonomous start-up capability, known as ‘black start’.  It is, therefore, a mature technology, environmentally friendly and one in which Spain has extensive experience. It is essential to enable the penetration of renewables by converting excess energy from certain hours of the day to others with greater demand.

He also stressed the environmental, social and economic benefits of this technology, aligned with the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), contributing to reducing greenhouse emissions and improving energy efficiency.

Some of the matters that Buenaventura highlighted during his talk was the creation of numerous direct and indirect jobs that will occur during the construction and maintenance of these types of facilities, as well as the economic stimulation it will entail for neighbouring municipalities, thus contributing to the demographic challenge and the development of fair transition areas affected by the shutdown of coal power plants.

To conclude, he stressed the need for the administration to provide the economic and market signals required to enable the rollout of this technology.