A comparative analysis of the cumulative energy demand of stationary grid-integrated battery systems

Electro-chemical storage systems can be used in the electricity grid to store energy when demand is low and feed it back during demand peaks. The so-called load leveling might reduce the overall fossil fuel demand, but the production efforts for the batteries must be taken into account in a holistic approach. This study employs life cycle assessment with the cumulative energy demand impact assessment method. It is used as an indicator to evaluate if grid-integrated stationary battery systems in future load leveling applications create benefits which can offset the batteries' production efforts. Lead acid, nickel metal-hydride and lithium iron-phosphate batteries are assessed. Only lithium iron-phosphate batteries with a long life-cycle can reduce the overall fossil cumulative energy demand. Battery efficiency and degradation were found to be significant parameters in this analysis.