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The rapid development of distributed renewable energy sources in China has led to a significant increase in surplus electricity fed back into the grid, exposing the limitations of the existing distribution network. As a result, managing distributed energy storage resources has become critical for furthering distributed solar energy development. With grid connection capacity for distributed solar reaching its limits in many regions, grid integration has become a major bottleneck, making distributed transformer area energy storage the primary solution.A transformer area refers to the power supply area of a single transformer, and transformer area energy storage systems are installed on the low-voltage side of these transformers. These systems are essential for dynamic capacity expansion, load fluctuation suppression, and smoothing the output of distributed renewable energy within the transformer area. Distributed solar includes both commercial and residential photovoltaics (PV). Due to the lower residential electricity rates in China compared to commercial rates, commercial PV primarily focuses on self-consumption with excess power fed into the grid, while residential PV is mainly geared towards full grid feed-in. However, residential PV systems are typically located in rural areas with lower electricity demand and weaker grid capacity, making low-voltage transformer areas a focal point of concern.Rapid Growth in Residential PV Drives Demand for Transformer Area StorageThe installation of residential PV systems in China has outpaced that of commercial PV systems. Given the current growth rate of residential PV, the demand for transformer area energy storage is expected to increase significantly by 2024. To date, over ten regions in China have implemented specific requirements for distributed PV to be paired with energy storage. Shandong province, which has the largest installed capacity of PV systems, is leading the way in exploring distributed transformer area energy storage.In November 2023, the first residential PV project with integrated energy storage in China began operation in Dezhou, Shandong. The pilot project, developed by Guangying New Energy Co., Ltd., includes 20 sets of 100kW/215kWh lithium iron phosphate battery storage units. This initiative aims to facilitate further investments in PV and expand the installation of PV systems by using transformer area energy storage to meet grid connection requirements.Transformer Area Storage: A Catalyst for PV DeploymentThe sharp drop in PV component prices in 2023 has resulted in substantial profits, mostly benefiting terminal business agents who control end-user resources. However, these profits could be better utilized to develop transformer area energy storage, promoting industry growth. Historically, transformer area energy storage systems have been used to improve power quality in low-voltage distribution networks, especially in remote rural areas with insufficient transformer capacity and poor power quality. These systems can effectively address issues like low end-of-line voltage and three-phase imbalance.The main function of transformer area energy storage is time-shifting electricity usage. In Shandong, integrating energy storage with residential PV has not only improved local power quality but also significantly enhanced the grid's ability to absorb renewable energy, reducing the burden on transformer capacity and balancing PV output with electricity demand. Thus, transformer area energy storage is a cost-effective solution to the grid integration challenges of distributed renewable energy.Combining Transformer Area Storage with Centralized PV AggregationAs early as 2021, Shandong pioneered the centralized aggregation model for distributed PV. This model involves using appropriately sized inverters based on the rooftop PV capacity and concentration, aggregating all PV projects in a village, and connecting them to the grid via dedicated step-up transformers. This approach not only enhances grid connection capacity but also allows the aggregated PV systems to be controllable, adjustable, and participate in the electricity market.In conclusion, transformer area energy storage is pivotal in overcoming grid integration challenges for distributed PV systems. While there are various approaches to address low-voltage grid capacity issues, such as limiting midday PV generation or upgrading grid infrastructure, these solutions have significant drawbacks. Transformer area energy storage provides a balanced, scalable solution that improves both power quality and grid capacity for renewable energy integration.

In 2024, the industrial and commercial energy storage (IC Energy Storage) market is a tale of two worlds: on one side, intense enthusiasm and growth, and on the other, deep and complex challenges. The year 2023, recognized as the inaugural year for IC Energy Storage, has showcased its scalability with shipments reaching an impressive 7GWh, marking a 240% year-over-year growth. The top 10 companies in the sector, holding 65% of the market share, are painting a diverse and competitive landscape. This is a period ripe with both challenges and opportunities, and the future holds the promise of even greater vibrancy.The Dominance of 200-300kWh Systems and AI CapabilitiesAt the pinnacle of IC Energy Storage products, integrated storage cabinets are emerging as the standard. Models with around 200kWh capacity have become the market stars, widely embraced for their versatility. From the latter half of 2023, a plethora of new IC Energy Storage products have entered the market, leading to a wave of homogeneity. Yet, within the leading companies' new releases, distinct trends are still evident.BYD Energy has taken the lead with its MC Cube product, breaking traditional module and PACK constraints to offer a highly integrated design. Its features, such as intelligent operation and maintenance, high adaptability, and multi-machine parallel operation, make it suitable for various applications like supermarkets, industrial parks, solar energy charging stations, and nuclear power plants. This product addresses common industry issues like lack of understanding, hesitancy to invest, and difficulty in management, paving the way for healthy development in IC Energy Storage.Singular Energy has introduced its eBlock372 and eBlock200 products. The eBlock372, designed for power grid and renewable energy projects, and the eBlock200, tailored for industrial parks with distinct peak and off-peak power usage, demonstrate strong market adaptability.Sungrow Power, a pioneer in the IC Energy Storage sector, has solidified its market position with 100-500kWh storage products. Their latest 215kWh product aims to capitalize on the burgeoning domestic market opportunities. Additionally, Sungrow has released a white paper and hosted a partner conference, showcasing its deep industry insights and ambitions.Trina Solar has also entered the IC Energy Storage market with its "Blue Ocean" product, which secured a large order from a Belgian company at the beginning of 2024, demonstrating its strong competitive edge and market potential.Key Innovations and Market DynamicsIC Energy Storage products are now predominantly using 280Ah cells, with systems incorporating 300Ah+ cells starting to penetrate the market. Innovations in power conversion systems (PCS), such as Sicon's silicon carbide version and Homa Electronics' liquid-cooled PCS, are driving technological progress and industry upgrades.To meet the demand for 300Ah+ storage cells, power capacities are accelerating upgrades. The integration trend in the IC Energy Storage sector is becoming increasingly apparent, with fire protection configurations like aerosol and perfluorohexanone/hexafluoropropane solutions enhancing system safety.As autonomous maintenance needs rise and virtual power plant construction accelerates, AI and algorithm capabilities are becoming core competitive advantages. In this transformative era, continuous innovation and progress are essential for staying competitive.Expanding Market and Segment GrowthThe IC Energy Storage sector is attracting over 300 system integrators, particularly in the vast regions of East and South China. This market relies heavily on direct sales due to its diverse and localized customer base, requiring highly customized solutions and specialized installation processes. Hence, after-sales service capabilities, brand reputation, and channel management are critical competitive factors.IC Energy Storage companies typically adopt regional distributor models to build a vast "TO C ecosystem." The year 2024 is poised to be a crucial period for competition in this market, with significant potential for new entrants to gain market share through superior products and services.Zero-carbon transitions and peak-valley arbitrage demand are driving growth in sub-markets like district storage and solar charging. However, challenges such as grid-connection policies remain, pushing companies to innovate continuously.Ensuring Safety and Long-Term ProfitabilityWei Qiong, a leader at Maxine Energy, highlights the importance of addressing investor concerns about safety, market fluctuations, and long-term profitability. The IC Energy Storage sector's stability hinges on safety, but its sustained development depends on economic benefits. The significant price drop in IC Energy Storage systems in late 2023 has enhanced project profitability, facilitating broader market penetration.Looking ahead, 2024 will be a year marked by resource competition and project-centric growth. The entry of tech giants like Huawei and the continued efforts of leading companies like Sungrow and Trina Solar will inject fresh vitality and opportunities into the IC Energy Storage market. Despite uncertainties, this dynamic environment promises a bright future for the industry.

The lowest EPC price for energy storage in China in May 2024 was 0.96 yuan/Wh, while the average bid price for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) energy storage EPC was 1.35 yuan/Wh. For energy storage systems, the lowest bid price was 0.61 yuan/Wh, and the average bid price for LFP energy storage was 0.99 yuan/Wh.4-hour long-duration energy storage systems are becoming increasingly common, with prices now down to 0.6 yuan/Wh. For EPC projects, 2-hour energy storage systems still account for the vast majority, with prices falling to as low as 0.96 yuan/Wh, suggesting there is still room for further decline.The completion and commissioning of the 100MW flywheel independent energy storage power station project will make it the world's largest flywheel energy storage power station.According to calculations, the project's internal rate of return (IRR) exceeds 37%, and the static investment payback period is around 2.5 years.On January 10, 2024, a public tender was opened for the procurement of flywheel bodies and ancillary equipment for the 100MW independent energy storage power station project in Lucheng District, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province.It is understood that the project is an independent frequency regulation power station, and the CTECHI energy storage power station is configured with a scale of 100MW/3.5MWh. CTECHI energy storage products are used for array combination to complete the construction of the flywheel energy storage power station.On January 30, the 1MW/5MIN supercapacitor energy storage system public tender project of the New Energy Technology Research Institute of the National Energy Group was awarded with a bid price of 70.62 million yuan. The project procures a supercapacitor energy storage system with a capacity of ≥1MW/5min, boosts the voltage to the existing 35kV interval in the station, and finally connects to the existing 110kV substation.Unlike batteries, supercapacitors do not undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging. The storage or release of electrical energy is a physical process established by an electrostatic field. The electrodes and electrolyte hardly age, so they have a long service life and can achieve fast charging and high-current discharging. In addition, their ability to store electric charge is about 3-4 orders of magnitude higher than that of ordinary capacitors, hence the name "supercapacitor".Supercapacitors have the advantages of high capacity, long life, fast charging and wide working temperature range. At present, they are used in a few application scenarios such as transportation and defense.In terms of price, the bid prices for 1-hour energy storage systems ranged from 1 yuan/Wh to 1.36 yuan/Wh, with an average bid price of 1.22 yuan/Wh; the bid prices for 2-hour energy storage systems ranged from 0.74 yuan/Wh to 1.26 yuan/Wh, with an average bid price of 0.93 yuan/Wh; and the bid prices for 4-hour energy storage systems ranged from 0.61 yuan/Wh to 1.13 yuan/Wh, with an average bid price of 0.77 yuan/Wh.In terms of scale, there were still a number of large-scale procurements in January, but there were also many relatively small-scale energy storage system procurements.Among the 19 energy storage EPC projects in January, one liquefied air energy storage project is worth noting.At present, there are several research institutes and enterprises in China that are carrying out research on liquefied air energy storage. Liquefied air energy storage is derived from compressed air energy storage technology. Unlike compressed air energy storage, liquefied air energy storage stores air by turning it into liquid air. However, it is worth noting that the cost of liquefied air energy storage is too high.Excluding the above special projects, in the remaining 18 projects, the bid prices for LFP energy storage EPC ranged from 0.96 yuan/Wh to 2.22 yuan/Wh, with an average bid price of 1.36 yuan/Wh.There were two 1-hour energy storage projects with a total scale of 20MW/20MWh. The two projects were won by Guangzhou Zhiguang and Xujie Electric. Guangzhou Zhiguang did not have any price information

According to foreign media reports, the Downey Unified School District (DUSD) in Los Angeles, California, has announced plans to deploy multiple battery storage systems across seven of its schools. This initiative is expected to save the district $5.7 million in electricity costs. The school board has contracted with a leading energy storage company to install systems with a total capacity of 3.5MW/7MWh.Dr. John Garcia, Superintendent of DUSD, stated, "The school board is continually looking for creative ways to save money, and adopting storage systems will significantly reduce our electricity costs." He mentioned that the battery storage systems will be operational starting this year, and the savings in electricity costs will become more substantial over the coming years.The project is funded under California's Proposition 39, a legislative measure aimed at improving energy efficiency and clean energy generation while reducing electricity expenses. The battery storage systems will provide power to air conditioning units and stadium lighting, projecting a savings of $5.7 million in electricity costs over the next decade for the Downey Unified School District.Local utility companies charge these schools at commercial rates for electricity used during peak periods, with peak demand charges potentially accounting for 50% of their total costs each month. While the battery storage systems cannot completely eliminate demand charges, the 80% average increase in demand charges in California over the past decade means that the adoption of storage systems will still result in significant savings.CTECHi CEO Denny highlighted that these storage projects will also help alleviate the strain on the overloaded grid, enhancing the reliability of California's electrical infrastructure. Additionally, CTECHi has already deployed battery storage systems in 80 schools, further demonstrating its commitment to energy solutions in the education sector.As early as 2017, solar companies installed solar generation facilities and Sharp SmartStorage systems for the Santa Rita Union School District, setting a precedent for the widespread adoption of battery storage systems in California's school districts.CTECHi emphasized that while saving on electricity costs is a critical component of improving energy resilience, using battery storage systems as a backup power source was a key factor in aligning this project with decision-makers.On the technical front, CTECHi claims its software will play a crucial role in controlling and managing DUSD's 3.5MW/7MWh storage systems. The cloud-based GridSynergy software calculates optimal charging and discharging cycles based on historical and real-time data, continuously adapting to the region's energy needs.Moreover, media reports indicate that CTECHi will deploy community solar + storage systems in Massachusetts and will enter the New England ISO wholesale electricity market, showcasing another pathway for the company's battery storage system deployments.