Regulations on the use of power storage containers

Our review demonstrates that no jurisdiction currently provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for energy storage, with the majority of jurisdictions currently allowing storage to be defined as “generation” for the purposes of licensing and other regulatory requirements.

Behind-the-meter energy storage systems can be used to alter a consumer's demand profile. These systems enable consumers to draw energy from the grid, and store it for later on-site use or to enable better use of any onsite generation, such as rooftop solar.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are the most common type of ESS where batteries are pre-assembled into several modules. BESS come in various sizes depending on their application and their usage is expected to rise considerably in coming years.

The flexibility of energy storage is demonstrated by projects being able to provide some or all of the following to the electricity system: Energy storage may be used in a range of project types, including standalone, co-located, and behind-the-meter projects. Standalone energy storage projects are increasingly utility-scale installations.

These systems enable consumers to draw energy from the grid, and store it for later on-site use or to enable better use of any onsite generation, such as rooftop solar. Energy storage is not new – the scale of pumped hydro deployment across the globe is significant.

Standalone energy storage projects are increasingly utility-scale installations. For example, a battery array can provide a range of services, including ancillary services, to the system operator or network owner. This type of project allows for the deferral of network reinforcement works or islanded networks.