Empirical Study on Cost–Benefit Evaluation of New Energy Storage in Typical Grid-Side Business Models: A Case Study of Hebei Province

Energy storage technology is a critical component in supporting the construction of new power systems and promoting the low-carbon transformation of the energy system. Currently, new energy storage in China is in a pivotal transition phase from research and demonstration to the initial stage of comm...

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Main Authors: Guang Tian, Penghui Liu, Yang Yang, Bin Che, Yuanying Chi, Junqi Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Energies
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/8/2082
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author Guang Tian
Penghui Liu
Yang Yang
Bin Che
Yuanying Chi
Junqi Wang
author_facet Guang Tian
Penghui Liu
Yang Yang
Bin Che
Yuanying Chi
Junqi Wang
author_sort Guang Tian
collection DOAJ
description Energy storage technology is a critical component in supporting the construction of new power systems and promoting the low-carbon transformation of the energy system. Currently, new energy storage in China is in a pivotal transition phase from research and demonstration to the initial stage of commercialization. However, it still faces numerous challenges, including incomplete business models, inadequate institutional policies, and unclear cost and revenue recovery mechanisms, particularly on the generation and grid sides. Therefore, this paper focuses on grid-side new energy storage technologies, selecting typical operational scenarios to analyze and compare their business models. Based on the lifecycle assessment method and techno-economic theories, the costs and benefits of various new energy storage technologies are compared and analyzed. This study aims to provide rational suggestions and incentive policies to enhance the technological maturity and economic feasibility of grid-side energy storage, improve cost recovery mechanisms, and promote the sustainable development of power grids. The results indicate that grid-side energy storage business models are becoming increasingly diversified, with typical models including shared leasing, spot market arbitrage, capacity price compensation, unilateral dispatch, and bilateral trading. From the perspectives of economic efficiency and technological maturity, lithium-ion batteries exhibit significant advantages in enhancing renewable energy consumption due to their low initial investment, high returns, and fast response. Compressed air and vanadium redox flow batteries excel in long-duration storage and cycle life. While molten salt and hydrogen storage face higher financial risks, they show prominent potential in cross-seasonal storage and low-carbon transformation. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the peak–valley electricity price differential and the unit investment cost of installed capacity are the key variables influencing the economic viability of grid-side energy storage. The charge–discharge efficiency and storage lifespan affect long-term returns, while technological advancements and market optimization are expected to further enhance the economic performance of energy storage systems, promoting their commercial application in electricity markets.
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spelling doaj-art-5dfd4f27b33d4e3fb4140ded9e1983ba2025-08-20T02:28:28ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-04-01188208210.3390/en18082082Empirical Study on Cost–Benefit Evaluation of New Energy Storage in Typical Grid-Side Business Models: A Case Study of Hebei ProvinceGuang Tian0Penghui Liu1Yang Yang2Bin Che3Yuanying Chi4Junqi Wang5State Grid Hebei Electric Power Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050000, ChinaState Grid Hebei Electric Power Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050000, ChinaState Grid Hebei Electric Power Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050000, ChinaState Grid Hebei Electric Power Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 050000, ChinaSchool of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, ChinaSchool of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, ChinaEnergy storage technology is a critical component in supporting the construction of new power systems and promoting the low-carbon transformation of the energy system. Currently, new energy storage in China is in a pivotal transition phase from research and demonstration to the initial stage of commercialization. However, it still faces numerous challenges, including incomplete business models, inadequate institutional policies, and unclear cost and revenue recovery mechanisms, particularly on the generation and grid sides. Therefore, this paper focuses on grid-side new energy storage technologies, selecting typical operational scenarios to analyze and compare their business models. Based on the lifecycle assessment method and techno-economic theories, the costs and benefits of various new energy storage technologies are compared and analyzed. This study aims to provide rational suggestions and incentive policies to enhance the technological maturity and economic feasibility of grid-side energy storage, improve cost recovery mechanisms, and promote the sustainable development of power grids. The results indicate that grid-side energy storage business models are becoming increasingly diversified, with typical models including shared leasing, spot market arbitrage, capacity price compensation, unilateral dispatch, and bilateral trading. From the perspectives of economic efficiency and technological maturity, lithium-ion batteries exhibit significant advantages in enhancing renewable energy consumption due to their low initial investment, high returns, and fast response. Compressed air and vanadium redox flow batteries excel in long-duration storage and cycle life. While molten salt and hydrogen storage face higher financial risks, they show prominent potential in cross-seasonal storage and low-carbon transformation. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the peak–valley electricity price differential and the unit investment cost of installed capacity are the key variables influencing the economic viability of grid-side energy storage. The charge–discharge efficiency and storage lifespan affect long-term returns, while technological advancements and market optimization are expected to further enhance the economic performance of energy storage systems, promoting their commercial application in electricity markets.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/8/2082grid-side independent energy storagenew energy storage business modelscost–benefit evaluation methodssustainable development
spellingShingle Guang Tian
Penghui Liu
Yang Yang
Bin Che
Yuanying Chi
Junqi Wang
Empirical Study on Cost–Benefit Evaluation of New Energy Storage in Typical Grid-Side Business Models: A Case Study of Hebei Province
Energies
grid-side independent energy storage
new energy storage business models
cost–benefit evaluation methods
sustainable development
title Empirical Study on Cost–Benefit Evaluation of New Energy Storage in Typical Grid-Side Business Models: A Case Study of Hebei Province
title_full Empirical Study on Cost–Benefit Evaluation of New Energy Storage in Typical Grid-Side Business Models: A Case Study of Hebei Province
title_fullStr Empirical Study on Cost–Benefit Evaluation of New Energy Storage in Typical Grid-Side Business Models: A Case Study of Hebei Province
title_full_unstemmed Empirical Study on Cost–Benefit Evaluation of New Energy Storage in Typical Grid-Side Business Models: A Case Study of Hebei Province
title_short Empirical Study on Cost–Benefit Evaluation of New Energy Storage in Typical Grid-Side Business Models: A Case Study of Hebei Province
title_sort empirical study on cost benefit evaluation of new energy storage in typical grid side business models a case study of hebei province
topic grid-side independent energy storage
new energy storage business models
cost–benefit evaluation methods
sustainable development
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/8/2082
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