Quantifying the full system value of distributed energy storage and demand response for a decarbonized Spanish power system

M. Martínez, F. Martín, A. Ramos, C. Mateo, J.P. Chaves, T. Gómez, D. Ribó-Pérez, P. Frías

International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems Vol. 182, pp. 112228

Resumen:

Battery energy storage and demand response are critical technologies to provide flexibility in modern decarbonized electric power systems. This study presents a comprehensive techno-economic assessment of their combined value for the Spanish bulk power system and electricity distribution networks by 2030. The study integrates generation expansion planning, detailed hourly operational system dispatch, and distribution network planning modeling. The case study analyzes multiple deployment scenarios of batteries and demand response to quantify their benefits. For instance, the central scenario assumes 20% residential and commercial participation in demand response and the installation of 6.4 GW of batteries. This deployment scenario of demand response and batteries results in bulk power system cost savings of approximately 1,447 M€/yr. In relative terms, this results in a reduction of 69% in investments in additional peak conventional generation (i.e., open-cycle gas turbines), 28% in variable generation costs, 26% in emission costs, 55% in average electricity market prices, and 7% in renewable energy curtailment. Furthermore, of the total battery capacity installed in the central scenario, 1.4 GW is deployed as distributed batteries, which, together with demand response, defer 77% of the grid reinforcements required to accommodate new demand and generation in medium and low voltage distribution networks, resulting in additional savings of 375 M€/yr. These results could be used to design policies to accelerate the deployment of these technologies while ensuring system reliability and economic efficiency.

Resumen divulgativo:

Este estudio evalúa los beneficios de las baterías y la respuesta de la demanda para el sistema eléctrico español: reducen la necesidad de nuevas centrales de gas, las emisiones, los vertidos renovables y los precios de la electricidad. La flexibilidad distribuida también retrasa refuerzos de red.

Palabras Clave: Distributed battery energy storage; Demand response; Power system flexibility; Distribution network planning; Generation expansion planning

Índice de impacto JCR-JIF y cuartil WoS: 5,300 - Q1 (2025)

Referencia DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijepes.2026.112228

Publicado en papel: Septiembre 2026.

Publicado on-line: Octubre 2026.

Cita:
M. Martínez, F. Martín, A. Ramos, C. Mateo, J.P. Chaves, T. Gómez, D. Ribó-Pérez, P. Frías, "Quantifying the full system value of distributed energy storage and demand response for a decarbonized Spanish power system", International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, Vol. 182, pp. 112228, Septiembre 2026. [Online: Octubre 2026] doi: 10.1016/j.ijepes.2026.112228