By: Elena Mart

In the rapidly evolving landscape of renewable energy, few individuals stand out like Zhengjie (Jane) Yang. As the Associate Manager of Systems Integration Applications at Hanwha Qcells USA Corp., Jane has been at the forefront of significant advancements in energy storage and grid resilience. Her innovative work not only drives her company forward but also brings substantial benefits to the United States’ energy infrastructure. This interview delves into Jane’s contributions and the far-reaching impact of her projects.

From ERCOT to NYISO: Leading the Charge in Energy Storage

Jane’s journey in the energy sector has been marked by a series of high-impact projects, each contributing to the broader goal of enhancing grid reliability and integrating renewable energy sources. One of her notable projects is the “Battery Energy Storage & ERCOT Merchant Market: Where’s the Money?” study. This project evaluated the economics of standalone batteries in the ERCOT merchant (wholesale electricity) market, focusing on historical price volatility at various system pricing nodes (pnodes).

“Long-term profitability from battery storage merchant projects relies heavily on system volatility,” Jane explains. “We looked at macro trends like load growth, renewable penetration, and gas prices, as well as nodal conditions such as congestion and generator connections.”

The study’s results were illuminating. Jane’s team used advanced machine learning-based techniques to construct long-term price forecasts, which proved essential in evaluating the financial viability of battery storage projects under various future scenarios​​.

Harnessing Machine Learning for Grid Resilience

Another project spearheaded by Jane focuses on grid resilience and long-duration energy storage within the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). This project explores the integration of machine learning (ML) technologies to optimize energy storage operations and enhance grid services and ancillary markets.

“Renewable energy integration presents significant challenges to grid stability,” Jane notes. “Our research aimed to address these challenges by leveraging ML to forecast peak loads and optimize the performance of long-duration energy storage systems.”

The project investigated lithium and flow battery technologies, assessing their capabilities in providing long-duration storage for grid resilience. By simulating different grid scenarios and ancillary market requirements, Jane’s team identified suitable ML algorithms, including XGBoost, CNN, and LSTM, for optimizing energy storage systems.

“Our findings highlighted the economic viability and regulatory considerations for implementing ML-based energy storage solutions,” Jane says. “This research can inform decision-making processes for grid operators, policymakers, and energy developers, promoting the adoption of advanced technologies and enhancing grid resilience.”​​

Driving Hanwha Qcells USA Corp. to New Heights

Jane’s contributions have had a profound impact on Hanwha Qcells USA Corp., helping position the company as a leader in the energy storage sector. Her innovative approach and technical expertise have been instrumental in developing and optimizing energy storage projects across the US.

“At Qcells, we focus on delivering reliable and efficient energy solutions,” Jane states. “By integrating ML and advanced analytics into our projects, we’ve been able to create a robust revenue database and collaborate effectively on greenfield campaigns, mergers and acquisitions, and portfolio management.”

Her work not only enhances the company’s ability to compete in the market but also ensures that Qcells remains at the cutting edge of technological advancements in energy storage and grid services.

Making a National Impact

Beyond her contributions to Hanwha Qcells, Jane’s work holds substantial implications for the national energy landscape. Her research addresses critical challenges facing the US energy infrastructure, supporting the broader goals of energy security and sustainability.

Enhancing Grid Reliability

“Integrating renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change,” Jane emphasizes. “However, it also introduces variability and uncertainty into the grid. Our work on long-duration energy storage technologies provides solutions to these challenges by enhancing grid reliability and stability.”

By optimizing energy storage systems, Jane helps ensure that renewable energy can be effectively integrated into the grid, supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Economic and Regulatory Insights

Jane’s studies offer valuable economic and regulatory insights that can inform policy decisions and market strategies. Her research provides a roadmap for the successful implementation of advanced technologies in the energy sector, crucial for developing policies that encourage innovation and investment in energy storage and grid resilience.

Driving Technological Innovation

Jane’s use of ML and advanced analytics in energy storage projects showcases the potential of cutting-edge technologies to impact the energy sector. Her work highlights the importance of technological innovation in addressing complex challenges and optimizing energy systems.

Conclusion

Zhengjie (Jane) Yang’s contributions to Hanwha Qcells USA Corp. and the broader US energy sector are both significant and far-reaching. Her innovative research and project management skills have propelled her company to the forefront of the energy storage industry while addressing critical national challenges related to grid stability and renewable energy integration.

As the US continues to navigate the complexities of transitioning to a renewable energy future, the contributions of individuals like Jane Yang will be instrumental in achieving the nation’s energy goals. Her dedication to research, innovation, and collaboration sets a benchmark for excellence in the energy sector, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

About Zhengjie Yang

Jane Yang is the Associate Manager of Systems Integration Applications at Qcells USA Corp. She supports Qcells’ energy storage projects across US Utility/RTO/ISO markets both economically and technically. Jane has developed Qcells’ energy storage projects revenue database and collaborates closely with the Systems Integration, Development, and Project Finance teams on various initiatives, including greenfield campaigns and M&A opportunities. Her work continues to drive innovation and excellence in the energy storage industry.

Published By: Aize Perez