Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) use batteries, for example lithium-ion batteries, to store electricity at times when supply is higher than demand. They can then later release electricity when it is needed. BESSs are therefore important for “the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy”.
Battery safety is a critical concern, especially for large-scale BESS installations. Proper safety measures and protocols are essential to prevent accidents and fires. The future of Battery Energy Storage Systems is looking bright. As technology advances, BESS is becoming more affordable, efficient, and accessible.
Without battery storage, a lot of the energy you generate will go to waste. That’s because wind and solar tend to have hour-to-hour variability; you can’t switch them on and off whenever you need them. By storing the energy you generate, you can discharge your battery as and when you need to. ‘But I don’t generate renewables.
The other primary element of a BESS is an energy management system (EMS) to coordinate the control and operation of all components in the system. For a battery energy storage system to be intelligently designed, both power in megawatt (MW) or kilowatt (kW) and energy in megawatt-hour (MWh) or kilowatt-hour (kWh) ratings need to be specified.
A full battery energy storage system can provide backup power in the event of an outage, guaranteeing business continuity. Battery systems can co-locate solar photovoltaic, wind turbines, and gas generation technologies.
This data is used for system optimization, maintenance planning, and regulatory compliance. Battery Energy Storage Systems play a pivotal role across various business sectors in the UK, from commercial to utility-scale applications, each addressing specific energy needs and challenges.