Central Asia has faced major energy and water security challenges. Technically, water from the Pamir and Tian Shan Mountain ranges could be sufficient to meet the needs of the countries in the region, if there.
What are the benefits of energy storage beyond the energy sector?
Benefits of energy storage beyond the energy sector are shown. Long duration energy storage is key for high shares of solar PV and wind energy in the region. An open-access, integrated water and energy system model of Central Asia is developed. Central Asia's energy transition to a high share of renewable energy by 2050 is analyzed.
How do we model long-term energy storage needs?
We model long-term energy storage needs in a monthly resolution to capture seasonal variations of renewable electricity generation sources, mainly hydropower, solar and wind generation, as well as electricity demand.
What factors increase the cost of energy storage?
Another aspect that would increase the costs for storage is if the amount of water required to store the energy is higher than the yearly water availability in the basin. In this case, closed-loop seasonal pumped storage plants would be required, which requires two large reservoirs and would increase the cost of the project.