The economic viability of battery storage is expanding as costs continue their downward trajectory. Most utilities now see storage as part of their future resource mix even as the rules and regulations continue to develop. Who will own storage? How will batteries participate in wholesale markets? What are the implications for incumbent technologies? Join this session as we explore these questions to understand the role battery storage will play in an evolving power sector.
Solar and wind power costs globally have dropped rapidly during the past decade. Renewable project tender prices and feed-in tariffs are also dropping across the world. Many believe aggressive cost declines are still possible and will likely allow renewables to reach parity with conventional power very soon. How will technological development, scale of manufacturing, and local development experience build-up continue to affect costs for wind and solar? When should we expect renewable costs to become competitive with thermal generation costs? Will storage cost fall fast enough to allow system-wide costs of firm renewable power also reach parity with conventional power?