Battery-based energy storage: supporting the growth of renewables by contributing to grid stabilization
Using batteries for energy storage is a key factor in the future power system, given the significant development of renewable energies that are inherently intermittent, and the need for grid stabilization. Aware of the magnitude of this challenge, TotalEnergies is developing solutions in this sector, in tandem with its affiliate, Saft.
In electricity systems, where the share of renewable energies is on the up, the capacity to store electricity is a major asset to enable the efficient management of the intermittency of these energies and contribute to a more stable production consumption balance.
The core advantage of battery-based energy storage systems is their capacity to rapidly breach and control the gaps that can occur at any time between consumer demand and producers’ connected capacities. Such systems, controlled by the grid operators, therefore help ensure that the grid can continue to operate, and prevent regional “blackouts”.
Beyond their role as a stabilizer, in regions where the share of renewables is high, batteries can store surplus solar and wind power, at lower costs, when production levels are higher than consumption, and redistribute it during periods of high demand. They therefore optimize the use of all available power.
The battery energy storage site in Dunkirk
© Redfox - Redfox - TotalEnergies
In 2019, with the help of Saft, the Renewables division at TotalEnergies developed a Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) to meet the needs of the French power grid. It’s a comprehensive turnkey system comprising batteries and power conversion systems. That’s how the largest battery based energy storage facility in France was commissioned. It is located at the Flanders center in Dunkirk. The project, installed on one of TotalEnergies’ former industrial sites, contributes continuously to the stabilization of the French power grid. In the wake of this initial success story, a further two similar systems were commissioned in Carling and Grandpuits to complete the commitments made with RTE.
As an integrated power provider, TotalEnergies is developing a wide range of flexible solutions and capitalizes on the Company’s potential in all sectors for the rapid development of innovative solutions on its sites.
Several projects are under development/construction in other countries. They currently represent 450 MW in the United States and 300 MW in Europe (Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain). Other opportunities are being investigated today, with the aim of achieving 5 GW of installed power by 2030.
About Saft
Saft is a wholly owned subsidiary of TotalEnergies specializing in advanced technology battery solutions for industry, from design and development to production, customization and service provision. For more than 100 years, Saft has provided longer-lasting batteries and systems for critical applications, including safety, back-up power and propulsion. Its innovative, safe and reliable technology delivers high performance on land, at sea, in the air and in space. Saft powers industry and smart cities, while providing critical backup functionalities in remote and harsh environments from the Arctic Circle to the Sahara Desert.
In battery-based energy storage, Saft has a total of 2GWh/1GW of batteries in operation and construction in the United States, Europe, Australia and Chile. In 2022, Saft developed Intensium Shift (I-Shift), a new high-density energy storage system optimized for energy shifting applications - a key factor for the mass integration of low-carbon renewables into national grids. Saft’s portfolio of energy storage systems also includes the Intensium High Energy (IHE) container, and I-Sight, a digital fleet management solution.