Optimal investment of energy storage as an alternative transmission solution in transmission planning

This paper presents a modeling framework that supports energy storage, with a particular focus on pumped storage hydropower, to be considered in the transmission planning processes as an alternative transmission solution (ATS). The model finds the most cost-effective energy storage transmission solution that can address pre-determined transmission needs while satisfying other evaluation criteria. The model is practical and is designed to interact with the existing transmission planning processes in the United States. Therefore, it provides a valuable means for project developers and grid operators to evaluate how energy storage technologies can provide transmission services as an ATS. We validate the modeling framework in a case study using the Reliability Test System of the Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium.