BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) is a system for storing electricity in batteries, which allows energy, most often from renewable sources, to be collected and released at times of increased demand or power shortages. It consists of battery modules (usually lithium-ion), inverters, battery management systems and safety devices. It stabilises the power grid, acts as an energy buffer, optimises energy costs and provides emergency power, enabling a wide range of applications from industry to homes and energy infrastructure.
Benefits of using BESS in renewable energy and modern power grids
- Renewable energy integration – BESS enables the storage of excess solar and wind energy during periods of high production and its release during periods of higher demand. This increases the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy sources by reducing the variability of their production.
- Grid stabilisation – BESS systems support the stability and flexibility of the power grid by quickly balancing supply and demand, providing reserve capacity, enabling black start capability and alleviating grid loads during peak hours, thereby reducing the need for conventional power plants and CO2 emissions.
- Energy cost savings – by storing energy during off-peak hours and using it during peak demand periods, BESS can reduce energy bills and enable energy arbitrage, which can bring significant economic benefits.
- Emergency power supply – BESS secures the operation of critical consumers such as hospitals, data centres and industrial plants during power outages, increasing power supply reliability.
- Sustainable development – the use of BESS promotes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the share of renewable energy and reducing the use of fossil fuels, which supports a broader energy transition.
- Flexibility and scalability – BESS systems are scalable and can be adapted to a variety of needs, from individual households to large industrial installations, facilitating their widespread deployment and the development of smart grids.
