In this article, we will discuss legal status of energy storage systems in Türkiye.
Today, energy storage systems play an important role in the dynamic and variable structure of the energy sector. With the increasing use of renewable energy sources, energy storage systems increase the flexibility and resilience of electricity grids, marking a new era in energy management. However, the legal framework of this technological advancement is also of great importance.
In many countries like Turkey, the regulation of issues such as the installation, operation, and control of the environmental impacts of energy storage systems is carried out through regulations set by institutions such as the Energy Market Regulatory Authority. In this context, regulations such as the “Electricity Market Storage Activities Regulation,” which came into effect in 2021, form the legal basis of energy storage systems. However, these regulations need to be detailed and updated in parallel with the rapid progress of technology.
In this article, we will discuss the legal aspects of energy storage systems in detail, evaluating the need for improvement and their potential in the future. Along with the innovative steps of energy storage systems, we will emphasize the importance of legal regulations being compatible with this technological advancement.
WHAT ARE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS?
Energy storage systems are technological systems that store electricity generated at a certain time to be used later. These systems store energy to provide a balanced flow to the grid and offer flexibility in cases of variable energy demand.
HOW DO ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS WORK?
Energy storage systems can work through different mechanisms, including:
Battery Storage Systems: These systems store electrical energy through a chemical reaction and later release this energy to produce electricity. Various types of batteries are used in a wide range of applications from everyday devices to electric vehicles.
Hydroelectric Storage: Hydroelectric storage systems store energy using the potential energy of water. Electricity is stored as potential energy by pumping water to a high point, and when needed, electricity is produced using the height difference of water.
Thermal Energy Storage: Thermal energy storage is a system that stores energy using temperature differences. Thermal storage is usually done using materials sensitive to temperature changes. When heat energy is stored, this energy can later be converted into electrical energy.
WHY ARE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS IMPORTANT?
Energy storage systems ensure the more efficient operation of electricity grids. Especially due to the variable nature of renewable energy sources (wind, solar, hydro, etc.), storage systems make this energy usable when needed, preventing energy interruptions and balancing energy consumption.
WHERE IS THE FUTURE OF ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS HEADED?
With technological advancements, energy storage systems are becoming more efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly. Advanced battery technologies, smart energy management systems, and innovative storage solutions expand the use of energy storage systems and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
The legal aspects of energy storage systems can be considered from three different perspectives: licensing, environmental impacts (Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, etc.), and cost sharing. These aspects aim to adapt the systems to a legal procedure for their control and sustainability.
A. LICENSING PROCESS
The licensing process of energy storage systems is a crucial factor in the widespread use of these systems. The transparency and ease of the licensing process will allow for the wider use of these systems and make the use of electricity generated from renewable energy sources more stable. The Details of the Licensing Process: The application for a license for energy storage systems is made to the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) according to the Electricity Market Storage Activities Regulation.
In this application, detailed documents such as technical details, financial information, and an operating plan related to the system must be submitted. It should be noted that the current licensing process may slow down the expansion in this sector due to some uncertainties, long application processes, and high application fees.
What Needs to be Done in the Licensing Process: The licensing process consists of a series of stages, and obtaining a license requires completing these stages. During the application stage, the company requesting the license submits the application to EPDK with specific documents. These documents include the application letter, the company’s articles of association and amendments, trade registry gazette, tax certificate, operating license, technical report, financial report, and operating plan.
B. EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
When examining the environmental impacts of energy storage systems, three main topics can be discussed in detail:
Use of Material Resources: The environmental impacts of the materials used in the production of energy storage systems are crucial. Especially the release of chemicals used in the production of systems like lithium-ion batteries can have negative effects on the environment.
Waste Generation and Management: Energy storage systems can become chemical waste when they reach the end of their useful life. The disposal and management of waste are important. Solutions such as recycling or reuse should be prioritized to dispose of waste without harming the environment.
Climate Change and Energy Efficiency: These systems support the use of renewable energy sources and emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels. The widespread and efficient use of these systems plays an important role in combating climate change. Therefore, the use of these systems should be encouraged in environmental regulations.
C. COST SHARING
The cost sharing of energy storage systems has the potential to bring a series of legal issues that could arise. The installation and operation of these systems are costly, and these costs need to be distributed fairly. For example, the cable connection fee includes a fee paid during the connection of these systems to the grid. This fee is a cost set to cover the costs of using the network capacity and is costly. How and to what extent this cost will be covered should be determined, especially an equitable line should be drawn between the licensee and the project management.
IN GENERAL, WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THESE SYSTEMS?
Energy storage systems contribute to a significant transformation in the energy sector by supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and making electricity grids more flexible and efficient. However, various challenges and regulations are encountered for the widespread use of these systems.
The balanced and fair management of issues such as cost sharing, licensing processes, and environmental impacts will ensure the effective use of energy storage systems. Establishing transparent, fair, and flexible cost-sharing mechanisms is crucial for building a sustainable energy future. The wider use of these systems will support the efficient integration of clean energy sources and the future transformation of the energy sector.
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Av. Ömer Faruk Kılıç
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