Battery energy storage systems for ancillary services in Renewable energy communities

¹ DESTEC, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, Pisa 56122, Pisa, Italy
² Thermochemical Power Group, Dep. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Genova, Italy
³ EnGreen, Via Elio Vittorini 103, 00144, Rome, Italy

^* Corresponding author: tommaso.ferrucci@phd.unipi.it
^† Corresponding author: francesco.roncallo@unige.it

Abstract

This document presents a study on the use of battery energy storage systems in a proposed renewable energy community in Savona, UNIGE Campus. The study compares the outcomes of cooperative approaches with and without flexibility services to a scenario where users do not cooperate. The study concludes that storage systems of relevant size can create new flexible instruments for the power grid and a powerful tool for citizens, which could make the investment into BESS financially viable. The study also suggests that greater transparency and information on hourly energy sales and purchase prices would facilitate awareness among community members and at the same time stimulate discussion of alternative technologies such as batteries to cover the most expensive nighttime periods for users. Overall, the study highlights the potential of battery systems in renewable energy communities in Italy and provides insights into the importance of coupling flexible services with capacity-building activities and awareness campaigns to promote demand-side-response activities and storage technologies.