Journal No.2 - Sustainability

Journal No.2 – Sustainability 

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)  

To mitigate the global calls for the reduction of CO2 emissions gives rise to renewable energy sources. This gives rise to the use of Battery as a one of the solutions to minimise, albeit eliminate CO2 emissions. 

But the question is, does battery energy solution sustainable? 

 

Figure 1 – Synergy’s Kwinana Big Battery Energy Storage System

The phase closure of coal power plant has significantly brought about the influx of renewable energy to be developed for net-zero emission, thus bringing battery energy storage into the fold. 

Currently, Kwinana Battery Energy Storage 1 and 2 are underway and truly helps to the stability of electricity supply to homeowners of Western Australia; for a specific given time, at least 4-6 hours of the day, and needs to be recharge again for peak hours use. (Synergy, KBESS1, 2022) (Synergy, KBESS2, 2024)

Battery Energy Storage system life cycle is around 10 to 15 years and dependent on how it is being utilised. One single cycle per day describes the repeated discharging and recharging process. Cycle life is a measure of how many cycles a battery can deliver over its useful life. (Chapter II-2-B - Batteries in PV Systems, 2018)

The Collie Battery Energy Storage is currently under construction and expected for operational use sometime November 2025, and shall deliver about 64% of energy to WA homeowner. (Synergy, CBESS, 2024)

Both Kwinana Battery Energy Storage Solution 1 / 2 and Collie Battery Energy Storage Solution costs at least around $ 2.8 Billion AUD. 

Currently, there are no immediate plan or strategies on how to properly dispose of spent Big Battery. 

Lithium-ion batteries are classed as dangerous goods and are toxic if incorrectly disposed of. (Commission, 2023) Improper disposal of Lithium-ion batteries in household waste or recycling bins poses risks to people, property, and the environment, including fire hazards during waste procession. Mitigating these risks requires adequate disposal and recycling options, supported by viable facilities, sufficient infrastructure, and access to insurance to handle the growing volume of batteries. (Commission, 2023)

The lack of standardization at the pack and cell level, along with the complexity of storing, transporting, and handling of end-of-life (EoL) batteries, increases costs and reduces recycling incentives. (Thompson, 2020)

Battery Energy Storage Solution is a great innovation to mitigate CO2 emission and towards a net-zero CO2 but aside from developing these Technology, a proper waste disposal and eco-friendly end-of-life disposal are needed to have a more sustainable system. Without proper disposal, one would think that if battery is a sustainable development we need moving forward. Or should we look into Nuclear Energy? 

References

Chapter II-2-B - Batteries in PV Systems. (2018). In D. Spiers, & S. A. Kalogirou (Ed.), McEvoy's Handbook of Photovoltaics (Third Edition) (pp. 798-843). Academic Press. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809921-6.00021-5

Commission, A. C. (2023). Lithium-ion batteries and consumer product safety. Lithium-ion batteries and consumer product safety, 2.

Synergy. (2022). KBESS1. Retrieved from KBESS1: https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems/Kwinana-Battery-Energy-Storage-System-1

Synergy. (2024). CBESS. doi:https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems/Collie-Battery-Energy-Storage-System

Synergy. (2024). KBESS2. Retrieved from KBESS2: https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems/Kwinana-Battery-Energy-Storage-System-2

Thompson, D. L. (2020, October 20). The importance of design in lithium ion battery recycling - a critical review. Green Chemistry : An International Journal and Green Chemistry Resource, 22. doi:https://doi.org/10.1039/D0GC02745F

Energy Crisis - The future is here

Figure 1 – Duck Curve (Synergy, n.d.)

The global energy crisis has underscored the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions. Renewable technologies, including solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage, are being deployed worldwide to mitigate CO2 emissions. While these innovations are promising, they are not yet capable of delivering a full reliable, round-the-clock energy supply. (Uhlmann, 2024)

Currently, renewable energy systems depend on favourable environmental conditions, such as sunlight and wind, which can fluctuate. This intermittency necessitates the continued reliance on conventional power plants to meet energy demands during periods of low renewable output and to charge the battery storage systems. Although advancements in battery technology are progressing, they remain reliant on conventional energy sources for backup and optimal functionality. (Uhlmann, 2024)

The phased closure of coal-fired power plants marks a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, this transition has contributed to rising electricity costs for households. While initiatives like increased government subsidies provide some relief, they do not fully address the financial burden on consumers. (Energy.gov.au, 2024)

Renewable energy technologies are rapidly evolving but remain incomplete in their ability to meet the full spectrum of energy needs. A hybrid approach, integrating renewables with traditional power plants, is currently essential to ensure a stable and consistent electrical supply.  

Gas generators are crucial for maintaining reliability in a net-zero power system. They provide essential flexibility in wind and solar output, especially during morning and evening peak demand periods. With the closure of coal power plant, Gas generators plays a crucial role in maintaining electricity supply, especially when solar and wind energy are unavailable, particularly during winter. They are also essential for charging battery storage systems. Unfortunately, other than coal power plants, Gas Generators are the only available conventional plants there is, that can carry the weight of shutting down coal power plants. While Gas Generators are not a long-term solution in net-zero emissions, it can be used as transitional technology while we build more renewable energy infrastructure.

There were studies to blend hydrogen to natural gas to minimize CO2 emission of Gas Generators, but the infrastructure is still not available and further feasibility studies are required. The shift to Hydrogen powered Generators is a welcome treat to achieve net-zero but the technology is still under development and on trials. The market for hydrogen powered generator is not yet popular due to high risk of hydrogen storage and producing “green” hydrogen (from renewable source) is energy-intensive and expensive. (Briault, 2021 ) 

Nuclear Power Plant is viable due to its low carbon emissions and energy reliability, however, the challenges of upfront costs, waste management, and public acceptance must be addressed. Also, development of Nuclear Power Plant would take at least 10 to 15 years, and shutting down coal power plant will make Gas Generators more viable in the meantime. 

It is perplexing that Australia, despite being one of the top five natural gas producers globally, is now seeing its eastern states preparing to import gas to meet domestic demand. (Mercer, 2024)

In conclusion, while the shift toward renewable energy is an exciting and necessary development, substantial work remains to fully unlock its potential. The goal is to achieve a sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable energy system that meets the demands of households and industries alike, thus saving our environment for our children’s future. 

With the fast-phased transition to renewable energy, I wonder if we really aim to achieve net-zero or is it all just for business profit. 

References

Briault, T. (2021 , November ). Arup . Retrieved from www.arup.com : https://www.arup.com/insights/when-will-hydrogen-become-a-cost-competitive-industry/#:~:text=Current%20estimates%20show%20blue%20hydrogen,decade%20for%20this%20to%20occur.

Energy.gov.au. (2024). Energy BIll Relief Fund 2024-2025. Retrieved from Energy.gov.au: https://www.energy.gov.au/energy-bill-relief-fund

Mercer, J. N. (2024, September 5). Once unthinkable, gas giant Australia is set to import supplies for the first time. Retrieved from abc.net.au: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-05/gas-giant-australia-prepares-to-import-gas-as-shortage-looms/104303824

Synergy. (n.d.). Synergy . Retrieved from Synergy Website : https://www.synergy.net.au/Blog/2021/10/Everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-Duck-Curve

Uhlmann, C. (2024, November). SkyNews Australia. Retrieved from youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbxpieEQ7bc&t=1055s

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