Storage systems and their flexibility might be an alternative to make up for the shortage of pumped-storage hydropower. — VNA/VNS
HANOI: Vietnam needs to consider the development of battery energy storage systems (BESS) while the country is on a path towards promoting renewable sources to ensure energy security and sustainable development, experts say.
According to the Institute of Energy, under the Industry and Trade Ministry, Vietnam’s power system needs BESS for both renewable energy generators and the national power grid.
The eighth National Power Development Plan (PDP8) has taken into account the high integration rate of renewable energy into the power system with a goal that Vietnam’s power system will have 2,700 megawatt (MW) storage of energy by 2030, including 2,400MW of pumped-storage hydropower and 300MW of battery energy storage.
Of the 2,400MW storage of pumped-storage hydropower, currently there is only one plant – Bac Ai – with a capacity of 1,200MW and that is under construction, while no other projects are on the horizon, meaning that they are unlikely to be operational by 2030.
Storage systems and their flexibility might be an alternative to make up for the shortage of pumped-storage hydropower. BESS does not generate electricity but only stores it and releases it when needed.
The Institute of Energy reported that countries including the United States, Thailand, China and India are preparing legal frameworks and regulations so that storage systems can be incorporated in the power grid at different levels.
According to the National Power System and Market Operation LLC, under the current power system, when the capacity of renewable energies (including hydropower) reaches 44% of maximum power (Pmax) during normal days and 88% of Pmax during holidays, the system is at high risk.
A study by Hanoi University of Technology showed that the cost for storage systems is much lower than mobilising power from sources such as gas turbine engines or diesel.
Deputy director of Vu Phong Energy Group, Pham Dang An, said storage systems play an important role in optimising and stabilising renewable energy sources.
Storage systems would not only help reduce pressure on the national grid but also ensure continuous and stable power.
It was necessary to introduce policies in terms of financial support and technical standards to promote the development of energy storage systems and ensure their quality and safety, An said.
According to Ha Duong Minh, a researcher at the International Centre for Development and Environment in France, the installation and operation of storage systems are a significant barrier to applying the technology.
It is estimated that the price of electricity in Vietnam must be more than US$0.18 per kilowatt hour, around two times higher than the current rate, for investments in storage systems to be profitable. — Viet Nam News/ANN
