Optimising the operation of PV-Battery systems for grid decarbonisation: analysing trade-offs between economic and environmental performance 

The large-scale integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics, introduces new challenges for power system stability and the management of supply–demand balance. To address this variability, the deployment of stationary storage systems (BESS) provides a source of flexibility. A key issue is to understand the environmental impact of large-scale storage systems and to strike a balance between financial viability and carbon efficiency associated with battery operation.

Objectives and methods

The objective is to compare the impact on battery operation management of two strategies: an economic strategy (based on spot market prices) and an environmental strategy (based on the marginal emissions of the electricity mix). To achieve this, an optimization model using mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) was developed, incorporating real project constraints (efficiencies, PV and battery degradation). Finally, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used to evaluate the carbon payback time required to offset the environmental footprint associated with equipment manufacturing.