Evaluating the Potential of Stationary and Mobile Energy Storage to Improve Energy Flexibility in Nova Scotia

The post-2030 Nova Scotia (NS) grid faces two significant challenges: (1) Building firm capacity to offset the loss of coal-fired generation and reliance on natural gas (total 74% of NS electricity generation) and (2) maximizing the use of private sector wind farms and solar generation. Both challenges require solutions that are flexible, affordable, and accessible to the diverse population of Nova Scotia. The solutions should also support ratepayers in Nova Scotia at the individual and grid levels in their need for climate change resilience - especially extreme weather events. Energy storage is a promising technology that can address these concerns, both in the form of stationary energy storage (battery backup) and grid-connected bidirectional electric vehicles (EV mobile storage). As such, this project proposes the evaluation of residential connected energy storage as a means to lower emissions in NS by providing firm capacity, maximizing renewable usage, and providing climate resilience to ratepayers.

Objectives

1. Assess and forecast the total firm capacity provided via residential connected energy storage in kW and its coincident timing with peak demand in NS (from 2030-2050).
2. Demonstrate the ability of residential energy storage to dispatch at strategic times in response to peak demand and balancing needs to maximize renewable energy usage and decrease grid emissions.
3. Analyze the electrical resilience requirements of residential buildings in Nova Scotia, evaluate in relation to the requirements of Objectives 1 & 2, and comment on the increased resilience for ratepayers while supporting grid challenges. 

Outcomes

1. A final technical report containing a socio-techno-economic evaluation of residential connected energy storage and its capability of meeting the project objectives.
2. One journal paper detailing the project results.
3. Knowledge dissemination plan including a list of proposed activities, such as a webinar and social media campaigns, to disseminate the project findings.