Energy storage systems are essential to our transition to cleaner energy and a more resilient power grid. With that said, there are a lot of barriers in place that make interconnecting technology very difficult. From procedural hurdles to changing regulations and technical requirements, there’s a lot to consider. As a way to solve issues like this, BATRIES (Barriers to Advanced Technology Regulation in Energy Storage) outlines eight major barriers, with strategic solutions on how to overcome each one.
1. Lack of Inclusion and Clarity
One of the main foundational challenges is a lack of clarity regarding existing rules. The rules that are in place don’t address storage, as they have been developed with solar or traditional generation in mind. This leaves applicants feeling unsure as to how they should proceed. In a lot of cases, agreements and forms don’t mention ESS at all. A solution here would be if states across the US revised their interconnection procedures and outlined how the existing rules apply to new technology. This would better reflect the role of ESS in modern grid systems.
2. Limited Export Control
A lot of utilities restrict the ability to export electricity to the grid. This is especially the case for limited export ESS configurations. Interconnection rules often fail to recognize the viable technology that can enforce these limits. The solution here would be for interconnection solutions to be updated so that they include a range of export methods. This would provide transparency, and it would also help applicants to design compliant systems.
3. Unrealistic Assumptions
When evaluating ESS interconnections, utilities may use worst-case assumptions about operations and systems. This can lead to inflated estimates regarding grid impact, and it can also trigger unnecessary objections. The fix here would be to evaluate ESS based on realistic profiles, especially for systems that use certified controls to limit their export.
4. Uncertainty about Exports
Even with controls in place, small amounts of export or inadvertent exports can happen. Without having standardized expectations for how control systems should respond to events, utilities are often left questioning their risk level. The solution here would be to define the response time specification for exports, while giving control and clarity on acceptable levels. 7
5. Lack of Grid Data
Many developers lack access to detailed grid information. This can include hosting capacity or even feeder constraints. This makes it difficult to cite ESS systems or understand how feasible the interconnections are. Utilities have to make public capacity maps and grid constraint data public to avoid this, using transparency as a way to empower applicants while reducing back-and-forth activity.
6. Limited Flexibility
In a lot of jurisdictions, applications can only reduce the size of their systems to meet concerns with the grid. They aren’t allowed to suggest alternative tech or configurations. The interconnection procedure should facilitate this and accept design changes beyond downsizing. This flexible approach can reduce costly upgrades while improving viability.
7. Outdated Standards
Some states rely on outdated standards that do not reflect the capabilities of modern ESS. This level of misalignment creates a lot of uncertainty, and it also stops newer tech from being approved all the time. The solution here would be for states to try and adopt and incorporate the most current version of technical standards into their interconnection rules. Regular updates also ensure that procedures remain aligned with the latest advancements on the market.
8. No Clear Process
ESS systems are designed to operate on a schedule, whether it is charging during off-peak hours or discharging during peak times. Without a defined way to understand and evaluate this schedule, utilities may default to more conservative estimates, which blocks feasible projects. The solution would be to define clear processes. When applicants can commit to more predictable behavior, utility concerns are eased, with faster approvals.
Final Thoughts
We are in the midst of an energy revolution right now, but outdated practices threaten progress. By adopting the recommendations outlined by the BATRIES Toolkit, it becomes possible to remove barriers that are unnecessary while empowering developers. ESS can also be deployed at scale, which will result in cleaner and greener energy. Reforms like this support project economics and are essential for building a more sustainable and reliable electrical grid.
If you want to find out more, view the full version of the BATRIES Toolkit here. There you’ll find over a year of research and analysis data that has been carried out by industry experts to ensure that the barriers to energy storage interconnection can be efficiently overcome.
