As renewable energy grows, the need for long-duration energy storage (LDES) has never been greater. Unlike traditional short-term battery storage, LDES technologies, as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy, can provide 10 or more hours of electricity, helping to balance supply and demand over extended periods. But how are wholesale electricity markets adjusting to support this shift?
In a recent webinar, PCI partnered with Sandia National Laboratories and the LDES National Consortium to explore how ISO/RTO markets are evolving to accommodate LDES technologies. Experts discussed regulatory challenges, emerging storage solutions, and real-world case studies — key insights that energy professionals need to know.
Want to learn more? Request the full webinar recording here.
What’s driving LDES in RTO markets?
The push for LDES is fueled by:
- Market rule changes: Regulations like FERC Orders 841 & 2222 are reshaping storage participation, but full implementation varies across ISOs/RTOs
- Strengthening grid reliability and security: LDES directly supports grid reliability and security through storing excess electricity lowdemand periods and releasing it during peak demand periods (balancing supply and demand, mitigating blackouts, and ensuring a consistent energy supply even during disruptions or extreme weather events).
- Technology readiness: While lithium-ion batteries dominate short-duration storage, pumped hydro, hydrogen storage, and flow batteries are emerging as viable LDES solutions
Market challenges for LDES adoption
Although ISOs and RTOs recognize the need for LDES, their market structures are still evolving to support it.Â
- Depending on the LDES technologies that make it to market, there may be market system and market participant system changes needed to accommodate new parameters
- The cost of the new LDES technologies must also be competitive with current market technologies
Emerging LDES technologies & their role
LDES isn’t just about batteries — various technologies are being explored, each with unique benefits:
- Pumped hydro storage: The most proven form of LDES, using water reservoirs to store and release energy when needed
- Green hydrogen: Converts excess electricity into hydrogen, which can be stored and later converted back into power
- Flow batteries & sodium-ion storage: Alternatives to lithium-ion with longer discharge times and potentially lower environmental impact
- Compressed air storage: Stores energy as pressurized air, which is later released to drive turbines and generate electricity
Our partner webinar with the LDES National Consortium and Sandia National Laboratories featured case studies on how real-world LDES projects are integrating with ISO/RTO markets. Request access to the full recording to see these examples in action.
How PCI supports LDES market integration
As energy storage markets evolve, PCI helps energy companies navigate ISO/RTO changes with solutions for:
- Market participation and optimization
- Outage planning and asset operations
- Bidding and settlement workflows for storage
Want to learn more? Request access to the full webinar to explore the market trends, case studies, and expert insights shaping the future of LDES.
