Emission-Aware Operation of Electrical Energy Storage Systems

Abstract: Since the beginning of this century, there has been a growing body of research and developments supporting the participation of energy storage systems (ESS) in the emission reduction mandates. However, regardless of these efforts and despite the need for an accelerated energy transition, we have yet to see a practical framework for operational carbon accounting and credit trading for energy storage systems. In this context, this paper proposes an emission performance credits (EPCs) framework that allows ESS, down to the prosumer level, to participate in the carbon market. Thus, a mechanism is proposed, for the first time, to calculate the grid's real-time marginal emission intensity (MEI). The MEI is then used to optimize the cumulative operational emission of ESS through carbon-aware dispatch. Consequently, the framework tracks the operational emissions and converts them into EPCs, which are then sold to regulated entities under compliance programs. Simulation results support the potential of ESS, regardless of their size, to participate in the broader carbon mitigation objectives.