| Abstract | Understanding the potential of Grid Scale Energy Storage to provide benefits to the electric grid, as well as how it may also support goals in the areas of economic development and environmental impact, is critical in order to assess its potential relative to incumbent technologies. However, most studies undertaken to date have reviewed Energy Storage on a project-by-project basis, which makes it difficult to ascertain the system wide benefits and costs of implementing the technology. It is within this context that the National Research Council, through its Energy Storage for Grid Security and Modernization Program, has undertaken the development of a Canadian Energy Storage Study, with support from Natural Resources Canada, strategic partners and consultants, stakeholders across the value chain, and an expert advisory board. This document contains the first chapter of this study which presents an analysis of Energy Storage in Alberta. The report consists of three main areas of study including: Grid Needs, Technology Assessment, and Environmental Impact. It is intended to provide a neutral and independent analysis that outlines the potential costs and benefits of the adoption of energy storage technologies in Alberta in 2017. The data, results, and conclusions in this report should not be interpreted as policy advice, and are not guaranteed to be reflective of current market conditions; they instead are meant to support a range of conversations and calculations well beyond the scope of this report. |
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