Chemical energy storage costs compared to coal-fired power

Are energy storage technologies a viable solution for coal-fired power plants?

Energy storage technologies offer a viable solution to provide better flexibility against load fluctuations and reduce the carbon footprint of coal-fired power plants by minimizing exergy losses, thereby achieving better energy efficiency.

Why is coal-fired power generation slipping out of the competitive range?

At the assumed carbon price of USD 30 per tonne of CO2 and pending a breakthrough in carbon capture and storage, coal-fired power generation is slipping out of the competitive range. The cost of gas-fired power generation has decreased due to lower gas prices and confirms the latter’s role in the transition.

Are nuclear plants cheaper than coal-fired plants?

Compared to fossil fuel-based generation, nuclear plants are expected to be more affordable than coal-fired plants. While gas-based combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) are competitive in some regions, their levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) very much depends on the prices for natural gas and carbon emissions in individual regions.

Is there a link between electrical power and stored energy capacity?

Link between the restituted electrical power and the stored energy capacity for different storage techniques: mechanical storage in orange and chemical storage in blue—based on Limpens and Jeanmart (2018).

How is coal replaced by energy storage?

As a first step, coal is replaced by wind-Sun and water-power. In the second step, it is replaced by energy storage such as PtG. Since PtG is only deployed in rare times during deficits of renewable energies, efficincy losses are acceptable.

What is the difference between electrochemical and chemical energy storage?

Electrochemical -energy storage reaches higher capacities at smaller costs, but at the expense of efficiency. This pattern continues in a similar way for chemical-energy storage. In terms of capacities, the limits of batteries (accumulators) are reached when low-loss long-term storage is of need.