Overview
This brief for decisionmakers explores the role of grid-forming battery energy storage systems in supporting a stable energy transition. It explains why grid-forming BESS can help improve reliability, resilience and affordability as the electricity sector integrates higher levels of renewable energy and inverter-based resources.
The resource positions grid-forming BESS as an important technology for strengthening the bulk power system, particularly as conventional synchronous generation retires and more resources connect through inverters.
Why it matters
As conventional generators retire, the grid loses physical characteristics that have historically supported stability, including inertia, frequency regulation, voltage support and short-circuit strength. The brief explains that these services are increasingly important as more wind, solar and battery resources connect to the grid through inverter-based technologies.
Grid-forming BESS can help address this gap by providing stabilizing capabilities that are more similar to conventional generation than traditional grid-following inverter controls. The report highlights that wider adoption of grid-forming technology is likely to bring significant value to reliability, resilience and affordability.
Key challenges explored
The brief explores several challenges and opportunities around grid-forming BESS, including:
The decline of conventional generator services as the resource mix changes
The difference between grid-following and grid-forming inverter controls
The need for improved education and training materials
The importance of modeling and system studies
Barriers to wider commercial adoption
The role of pilots, standards and regulatory frameworks
How grid-forming BESS can support both weak-grid and strong-grid conditions
The need for utilities, system operators, regulators, manufacturers and policymakers to share a common reliability vision
Questions this resource helps answer
This resource helps decisionmakers consider questions such as:
What is grid-forming BESS?
Why does grid-forming technology matter for reliability?
How does grid-forming BESS differ from grid-following technology?
What benefits can grid-forming BESS provide to the bulk power system?
What needs to happen for wider adoption of grid-forming technology?
How can modeling, studies and pilots support confidence in deployment?
What role do utilities, regulators, manufacturers and policymakers play?
What the brief covers
The brief outlines the technical and practical case for grid-forming BESS adoption.
Key sections include:
Background on the changing electricity sector
The reliability gap following conventional generator retirements
Grid-following versus grid-forming technology
The current state of grid-forming BESS deployment
Barriers to wider adoption
The pathway to grid-forming BESS adoption
Modeling and system study considerations
Pilot project needs
Benefits observed in weak-grid and strong-grid studies
A call to action for policymakers, regulators, utilities and system operators
Key benefits highlighted
The brief identifies several potential benefits of grid-forming BESS, including:
Improved grid stability
Support for increased inverter-based resource hosting capacity
Better performance during grid disturbances
Reduced need for some network upgrades
Reliable operation with controls from multiple manufacturers
Ability to support both weak and strong grid conditions
Greater confidence in a cleaner, more resilient grid
Who this resource is for
This brief may be useful for:
Policymakers
State regulators
Federal regulators
Utilities
System operators
Renewable energy developers
Battery storage developers
Equipment manufacturers
Transmission planners
Energy researchers
Grid reliability stakeholders