Utility-scale Electricity Storage Technologies: Global Markets

Report Highlights

The global market for utility-scale electricity storage technology has reached $10.3 billion in 2014. This market is expected to reach nearly $12.1 billion in 2015 and nearly $26.2 billion in 2020, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4%.

Report Includes

• An overview of the global markets for utility-scale electrical storage (UES) technologies which are implemented to temporarily store electricity during periods of available generation capacity, for subsequent use during periods of increased demand, in support of load leveling and grid balancing.
• Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2014, estimates for 2015, and projections of CAGRs through 2020.
• Information on various UES products and components such as injection pumps, wellheads, compressors, expanders, gas turbines, hydro turbines, dams, centrifugal pumps, and a suite of other equipment and facilities.
• Requirements for installation of UES technologies such as subterranean caves, aquifers, or abandoned/sealed mine shafts, or surface features such as an existing reservoir or reservoir site, typically located in areas of high topographical relief, and frequently including substantial biological and other natural resources.
• The basis and installation/market potential for UES demand regionally.
• Analysis of the market's dynamics including growth drivers, inhibitors, and opportunities.
• Profiles of major players in the industry.

Report Scope

The scope of this investigation includes the major viable UES technologies that are currently being implemented in the power generation industry. These technologies are implemented to temporarily store electricity during periods of available generation capacity, for subsequent use during periods of increased demand, in support of load leveling and grid balancing. The energy storage technologies discussed in this report are increasingly deployed in support of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, which frequently generate power outside of peak demand periods. In these cases, UES technologies can facilitate delivery of renewable power to end users during periods of high and peak use, in support of utility level regulations and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies, which are increasingly common in the global electricity market.

Installation and operation of UES technologies can include various products and components such as injection pumps, wellheads, compressors, expanders, gas turbines, hydro turbines, dams, centrifugal pumps, and a suite of other equipment and facilities. Other important requirements for installation of UES technologies may include, depending on the specific technology employed, sufficient geological resources such as subterranean caves, aquifers, or abandoned/sealed mine shafts, or surface features such as an existing reservoir or reservoir site, typically located in areas of high topographical relief, and frequently including substantial biological and other natural resources. Although substantial amounts of water and air may be required for operation of UES technologies, these specific requirements are not considered UES products within this report, because they are supplied at relatively little to zero direct cost, unlike mechanical and other components, which must be purchased separately.

The market analysis provided in this report is based on a variety of data sources. These include the most recent government, industry and academic data regarding the projected level of demand for utility-scale electricity storage technologies that could potentially translate into UES projects. These data were supplemented with an evaluation of major enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects that have been announced, or that are currently being proposed. Therefore, this report provides a comprehensive review of available data to provide a realistic, robust and accurate assessment of this quickly changing market.

Emerging UES technologies anticipated to be commercially viable within the next five years are summarized but are not included in the market assessment of this report. BCC Research analyzes each major viable utility-scale energy storage technology, determines its current market status, examines its impact on future markets and presents forecasts of growth over the next five years. Technological issues, including the latest trends, are assessed and discussed, as are the current and likely regulatory environments in support of this industry.

BCC Research analyzes the industry on a worldwide basis in terms of its manufacturing and the deployment of its technologies or products. BCC Research examines government roles in support of EOR technologies worldwide, including regulatory support, government requirements and promotional incentives for various UES technologies as relevant and available. BCC Research provides a review of the most relevant UES technologies, discusses recent trends in capacity installation and unit sales, and provides industry overviews and market assessments for each UES technology.

Analyst Credentials

Christopher Maara holds a Master's degree in Finance and Development (Msc) from University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and has been a Country Risk, Energy Markets and Lead Analyst with London-based Business Monitor International (BMI) and Visiongain Limited, as well with Investment & Research Ltd based in Nairobi. He is also the Founder and Business Development Manager for Kiri Energy Limited, a renewable energy company based in Nairobi, Kenya, where he has worked on a number small-scale, mini-hydro and solar projects in Kenya involving system design and installation.