Abstract

Stationary batteries could facilitate provision of carbon arbitrage services in cities. Such services offer a smart solution to integrate low-carbon energy technology into grid electricity supply and help tackle climate change. In this paper the environmental implications and overall profitability of this approach are assessed. A modelling framework has been developed to design an energy storage system with optimal capacity to maximise carbon savings. The City of London was used as a case study to demonstrate model applicability and analyse the potential effect of intermittent renewable energy sources in the supply system. The total savings obtained for the carbon arbitrage service were economically valorised using carbon market prices. In addition, a critical profitability thresholds for carbon trading prices are identified. Results show that this approach could bring environmental benefits depending on the carbon intensity of the grid, but that high carbon trading prices are required before it is economically feasible.