Optimization of a Battery Energy Storage System in a Sicilian Renewable Energy Zone

Modern power systems are characterized by massive and increasing presence of intermittent renewable energy plants. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the network through interventions that can enable safe, flexible and cost-effective network operation. For this reason, using a reliable and quick simulation tool able to assess different scenarios and compare alternatives is mandatory. The objective of this research work, carried out in collaboration with the Italian Transmission System Operator, Terna S.p.A., is to develop such a tool for simulating future developments of the power systems with installation of renewables and Battery Energy Storage Systems. The scope of the simulations was to reduce potential network congestion and system inefficiencies. The model was developed in Python programming language through the Pandapower library and was tested on a portion of the power system of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The results obtained demonstrate the potential benefits deriving from utility-scale batteries installed in high voltage grids with massive presence of renewables.