The optimal placing of energy storages in Germany in 2020 — An implementation of a DC-load flow model

In this paper we address the optimal placing of storage power plants within the German electricity transmission system. The DC-load flow model ELMOD formulated as a cost minimization problem is applied. The resulting nodal prices provide incentives for storage investments. The calculations are performed for the years 2012 and 2020 to consider the German nuclear phase-out and increasing share of renewable energy sources (RES). As a central result, the model calculations identify economically superior locations for storage plants. Furthermore, an effect on the total costs and the several nodal prices can be observed. Particularly congested transmission lines and an increase of wind power in Northern Germany have a significant impact on the optimal location planning for storage capacities.