Wind Power's Missing Link: How Energy Storage Unlocks Grid Stability and 24/7 Operation

Wind energy is a powerhouse of the renewable transition, but like solar, it faces the inherent challenge of intermittency. Wind doesn't blow consistently, making it difficult for utilities to rely solely on turbines for predictable power. While discussions often focus on generation capacity, a crucial, often background, element is now stepping into the spotlight: large-scale energy storage.

As technology matures and costs fall, energy storage is becoming the essential component that balances supply, supports grid resilience, and enables the consistent delivery of clean wind power, transforming it from a variable source into a reliable, round-the-clock resource.

Energy Storage: The Key to Unleashing Wind's Full Potential

The DNV Energy Transition Outlook (ETO) 2024 confirms that battery storage, alongside PV, is growing faster than anticipated. Battery costs continue their rapid decline – dropping 14% in 2024 alone – making integrated wind-plus-storage solutions increasingly accessible and economically compelling.

Why is storage indispensable for a wind-powered future?

• Grid Stability: It smooths out fluctuations in wind generation, ensuring a stable supply regardless of weather patterns or demand shifts.
• Reduced Curtailment: By storing excess energy during high wind periods, storage minimizes the need to curtail turbine output, maximizing the value of every megawatt generated.
• Replacing Fossil Fuel Peakers: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and hybrid wind/solar+storage models help meet peak demand without relying on expensive and polluting fossil fuel plants.

"The future grid runs on energy storage and hybrid systems," states Juan Carlos Arévalo, CEO of GreenPowerMonitor, a DNV company. "With falling battery prices, now is the time to capitalize on this tipping point. By advancing storage systems and reducing reliance on fossil fuels during peak periods, we contribute to meaningful carbon reductions."

Understanding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

BESS facilities are vital for balancing the grid. They capture surplus energy – whether from wind farms during gusty periods or solar farms at midday – storing it in large-scale rechargeable batteries. This energy is then dispatched when generation lulls or demand spikes.

Key aspects of BESS technology include:

• Core Components: Batteries (often lithium-ion), inverters (DC-to-AC conversion), sensors, control units, cooling systems, Battery Management Systems (BMS for safety/efficiency), and Energy Management Systems (EMS for overall coordination).
• Key Metrics: Power Capacity (MW/kW) defines the charge/discharge rate, while Energy Capacity (MWh/kWh) defines the total storage volume. These vary based on application needs.
• Scale: Installations range from compact units to vast facilities integrated with utility-scale wind and solar projects.

While BESS leads today, the DNV ETO 2024 predicts that long-duration storage technologies (flow batteries, compressed air, gravity systems) will start scaling significantly in the 2030s, offering solutions for multi-day or seasonal energy shifting.

Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Backups: An Achievable Vision

Replacing fossil fuel backups entirely is ambitious but achievable through a combination of factors:

• Policy: National climate plans increasingly mandate fossil fuel phase-outs.
• Technology Advancement: Batteries are becoming cheaper and more efficient. Predictive algorithms and smart grids optimize hybrid system performance. AI improves forecasting for both demand and renewable output (wind and solar).
• Demand-Side Management: Demand response programs encourage shifting consumption to match renewable availability.
• Infrastructure Repurposing: Converting retired fossil fuel plants into storage or renewable hubs accelerates the transition.

The Global Regulatory Push for Storage

Policies worldwide are recognizing the need for storage and actively incentivizing its deployment:

• European Union: The Electricity Market Design Directive recognizes storage as a unique asset class, removing barriers and promoting fair grid access. REPowerEU further drives wind and solar growth, creating demand for storage.
• China: A target of 30 GW of energy storage by 2025 positions China as a global leader.
• United States: The Inflation Reduction Act offers substantial Investment Tax Credits (30-50%) for standalone storage.

Despite challenges like upfront costs and evolving regulations, the momentum is undeniable, creating significant opportunities for innovation.

Industry Solutions: Enabling the Hybrid Future

Companies like GreenPowerMonitor (GPM), part of DNV, are leveraging deep expertise (110 GW under management, backed by over 5,000 DNV energy specialists) to deliver sophisticated storage and hybrid management solutions.

Their key offerings include:

• Energy Management System (EMS): Optimizes battery performance, extends asset life, and supports grid reliability.
• Hybrid Energy Management System (HEMS): Enables seamless coordination between generation sources (like wind and solar) and BESS, boosting efficiency and ensuring compliance.

"As part of DNV, we bring deep expertise in renewable energy management and the flexibility to adapt to evolving industry needs," adds Arévalo. "We are committed to collaboration, especially in BESS and hybrid projects, to help drive the sustainable growth of the energy sector."