ERCOT Proposes New Rule for Grid-Forming Battery Storage
The Texas grid operator, ERCOT, has proposed a new rule requiring Grid-Forming (GFM) capabilities for future transmission-connected Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This move comes as inverter-based renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, face potential reliability challenges. Meanwhile, research organizations like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Energy Storage Integration Group (ESIG) are advancing studies to evaluate and promote GFM resources.
ERCOT's proposal, aimed at projects with interconnection agreements signed after April 1, 2026, follows similar steps taken by the Midcontinent grid operator, MISO. Both operators recognize the importance of GFM in maintaining grid reliability as inverter-based resources become more prevalent.
The NREL, in its report 'Testing the Performance of Grid-Forming Resources,' explores methods to assess and enhance the performance of GFM resources. ESIG's report, focusing on test methods and performance metrics, complements this effort. These studies aim to support the integration of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, as per their respective mandates.
The shift towards GFM resources is seen as a solution to potential reliability issues posed by inverter-based renewable energy sources. By enabling GFM capabilities through software changes, battery storage capacity in interconnection queues can be better utilized. This, in turn, can mitigate reliability challenges and reduce the need for additional transmission infrastructure investment. The ongoing research by NREL and ESIG is expected to provide valuable insights and specifications for the integration of GFM resources in the future.
