The current Covid-19 may be boosting interest particularly in energy storage systems, a March 26 article in the online magazine Utility Dive suggests.
Based on conversations with people in various energy sectors, author Kavya Balaraman says, some industry players are optimistic that unlike other sectors, demand for distributed storage and other systems will remain steady and even see an uptick in the long run.
As of March 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recorded more than 68,400 confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 in the US, with 994 deaths. The pandemic has also caused widespread economic turmoil; the energy sector in particular is facing drops in demand, disrupted supply chains and potentially stalled regulation, analysts say.
The storage industry as a whole is also feeling the impacts of COVID-19, the author says. A poll of 175 members conducted by the U.S. Energy Storage Association in March revealed that 62% of respondents are experiencing project delays, and 37% expect delays will continue for six months or more. Others aren't yet aware of how long their projects might be stalled.
There are likely to be short-term impacts for distributed storage, experts acknowledged, including backlogs on permitting, interconnection and procurement delays. The impact of disruption to a specific project will likely depend on the stage of development, Sam Booth, principal engineer of innovation at distributed energy company REC Solar, a commercial and industrial solar and battery storage provider, told Utility Dive. Those that are close to being online could see an impact.
There are multiple sources for delay, according to Alex Eller, senior research analyst at Navigant Research. In California, which has a statewide shelter-in-place policy, for instance, electricians and installers may not be able to enter people's houses for a few weeks, economic turmoil could slow down spending and there could be disruptions in supply.
But in the longer term, the disruptions could actually push up demand for distributed storage along with solar across the country, he told Utility Dive.
Original article: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/distributed-storage-could-see-growth-in-demand-amid-covid-19-pandemic-anal/