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Greener Upgrades blog series #13

10 reasons to choose battery storage for your project or facility

Why consider battery energy storage systems?

At Aggreko, we see battery energy storage systems (BESS) as a crucial technology for businesses to achieve both sustainability and growth.

That's why we've significantly increased our global investment in BESS to approximately US$200 million. This allows us to provide more industries with access to the latest battery technology, helping them reach their net zero goals.

Battery energy storage systems can enhance energy reliability, reduce emissions and lower fuel costs, contributing to a more resilient, greener and efficient operation.

Here are 10 reasons why you should consider battery energy storage for your project or facility:

Peak shaving

Sites often have fluctuating energy demands due to the use of heavy machinery and equipment. Battery storage can help manage peak demand by providing additional power during high-demand periods. This principle can be applied to a hybrid power set up to enable a generator to be sized correctly or when there is a limited power connection. An example would be to support EV charging equipment or the startup of a chiller.  

Increased efficiency/generator rightsizing

For applications with a high surge in power demand on start up (such as motorstarts and tower cranes) battery energy storage can work with a generator to cover high or low load periods; this often means a generator can be sized correctly rather than being oversized which leads to inefficient running. A correctly sized generator ensures that efficiency is maximised. 

Stage V generators

Battery storage helps manage power loads to ensure the generator runs at an efficient capacity, this is particularly important for Stage V engines. This further reduces emissions, whilst delivering greater efficiency, driving more sustainable practices.

Noise and emission reduction

Many sites rely on diesel generators for power, by integrating BESS, these generators can operate for shorter periods, leading to reduced emissions, fuel consumption and costs. Sites may need to adhere to noise and emission regulations in low or ultra-low emission zones. Battery energy storage systems help meet these regulations by reducing emissions and noise, this is due to the almost silent running and zero emission operation of the BESS. 

Fuel cost savings

Battery energy storage can significantly reduce the running hours of diesel generators, or, in some cases negate the need for their use. This not only reduces emissions but also leads to substantial fuel cost savings over the course of a project. 

Efficient power distribution

BESS allows for more efficient distribution of power across a site or facility. Energy can be stored during off-peak times and then used when demand is high, optimising energy usage and saving utility costs.

Regulating frequency and voltage

BESS act as fast response to a change in power supply, ensuring uninterrupted operations and averting disruptions that can negatively affect sensitive equipment, power resilience and electrical efficiency.

Energy resilience and off-gird locations

In locations without reliable grid connections, battery storage can ensure a consistent power supply, even in remote areas. Remote sites can be vulnerable to power outages, which can disrupt operations and delay projects. In some cases BESS can serve as stand-alone backup power source, or in conjunction with other technologies such as renewable energy sources like solar, to ensure that critical equipment and systems remain operational. 

Increasing uptime

As using a BESS enables generator run times to be decreased, the servicing and refuelling intervals can be extended as a result. Less maintenance means increased uptime and fewer project disruptions. 

Renewable optimisation

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are inherently variable, and do not feed in constantly. This can lead to supply and demand imbalances. BESS helps regulate fluctuations to meet demand, storing excess energy during high generation periods. The surplus energy can then be discharged at a later time when required, this allows companies to get the most of their renewable energy investment.

Conclusion

Battery storage offers a wide range of benefits, such as efficient power distribution, providing additional capacity, and compliance with noise and emission regulations. It also provides solutions for remote and off-grid areas, and extends servicing intervals, leading to increased uptime and fewer disruptions.

While Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offer numerous advantages, finding the right BESS or BESS and generator combination for your project can be complex. Aggreko conducts an in-depth analysis of on-site requirements to devise the right solution. With our expertise we can help you unlock the wealth for benefits associated with BESS. 

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