The Role of Energy Storage and Backup Solutions for Management of a System with High Amount of Variable Renewable Power

Abstract This chapter discusses the energy storage and backup solutions required for the management of an energy system with a high share of variable power generation, such as wind and solar power. A high share of variable power increases the need for energy storage and backup solutions because demand and supply within the system must be in balance at all times. There are several options for arranging cost-effective energy storage and maintaining the necessary backup solutions. The development of such systems can be achieved by means of various policies. This chapter first presents a typology of storage and backup options, then reports case studies to illustrate in more detail how these can be utilized in the management of system. The case studies cover utility-scale short-term storage (batteries) and medium-term storage (bioenergy), as well as small-scale battery storage combined with solar PV generation.