Powering Ahead with Aggreko's Mid-Sized Battery Energy Storage Systems

Aggreko, known for its expertise in mobile and modular power solutions, has long been a trusted name. It delivers temporary power and temperature control to some of the toughest and most demanding environments worldwide. With a strong presence across the Middle East, the company is renowned for its expertise in delivering bespoke energy solutions across various industries, including oil and gas (O&G). As sustainability and efficiency become increasingly important, Aggreko is driving innovation with new battery energy storage systems(BESS) designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption in the region’s energy intensive sectors. 

Adam Read, Head of Sales Middle East, recently shared insights into Aggreko’s latest mid-size battery energy storage units and their significance for the oil and gas industry. These new units, with capacities of 250 kW/575 kWh and 500 kW/250 kWh, offer versatile applications and advanced features that set them apart from other solutions in the market.

Our new mid-size batteries complement our existing range of small and large BESS units already available in the Middle East,” Read explained. The versatility of these batteries is clear, with their ability to support various applications, including peak shaving, spinning reserve displacement, Stage V load management, advanced microgrids, and power factor support, among others. “They can be integrated into power systems as a stand-alone product or as part of a hybrid system alongside our diesel or gas generators, solar/PV, or wind power generation solutions,” he added.

One of the main challenges these units address in the oil and gas sector is increasing the efficiency and resilience of traditional diesel and gas island power supplies. “These units not only enhance the efficiency of traditional power setups but also improve power quality for critical loads,” Read noted.

He emphasised the importance of minimising regulated emissions like NOx, CO, and PM, especially as the industry faces growing pressure to address its carbon footprint. “When used as part of a hybrid power system, these units enable the integration of renewable energy sources while ensuring uninterrupted power supply,” he said, highlighting the industry’s increasing focus on emissions reduction.

In energy-intensive environments such as drilling rigs or refinery operations, the need for efficient power systems is paramount. The energy storage capacity of Aggreko’s new units plays a crucial role in achieving this. “These batteries allow us to design more efficient power systems, where stored energy can be used to handle peak energy demands and improve power factor,” Read explained. By doing so, traditional off-grid generator systems
can be right-sized for continuous demand, reducing fuel consumption and emissions in the process. Additionally, these systems enable the integration of renewable energy while maintaining system resilience and power quality.

As renewable energy becomes a growing priority in the oil and gas sector, Aggreko’s battery systems are equipped to seamlessly integrate with solar or wind power for off-grid applications. “Our units feature advanced controllers, enabling them to work alongside other power sources like generators and PV inverters,” Read shared. The stored energy from renewable sources can be deployed when solar or wind production is curtailed, ensuring consistent power availability. “This allows us to maintain system power quality at all times, even during drops in renewable energy production,” he added.

One of the standout features of these new battery units is their ‘plug-and-play’ design, which offers significant benefits in terms of setup and scalability for customers. “The units can operate independently or be integrated as part of a broader energy system,” Read explained. The advanced controllers facilitate communication and load sharing with multiple BESS units, as well as with Aggreko’s range of generators and PV products. Additionally, common communication protocols enable monitoring through a client’s BMS/EMS system, Aggreko Control Platform, or SCADA systems, ensuring flexibility and ease of integration.

Another key aspect of Aggreko’s offering is the remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities built into these systems, which enhance reliability and reduce maintenance needs. “All our equipment is fitted with ARM, Aggreko Remote Monitoring, allowing us to track assets globally, 24/7,” Read explained. The system captures data and provides advanced warnings when equipment parameters deviate from their normal range, enabling expert engineers to diagnose issues and react promptly. “This not only allows us to schedule servicing efficiently but also captures live data used for system optimisation, minimising customer disruption,” he added.

Aggreko’s broader commitment to sustainability aligns with the industry’s increasing focus on greener energy solutions. “Our goal is to be net zero in our operations and facilities by 2035, with a 30% reduction in the emission intensity of our energy solutions to customers by 2030,” Read stated.
The company’s Greener Upgrades initiative, which includes the soon-to-belaunched asset management platform, is a key part of this strategy. Using advanced software, Aggreko can model customers’ power demands and propose solutions that reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
“The O&G industry is becoming more energy conscious, and we continue to offer expert advice, solutions, and products to help our customers meet their energy efficiency and emissions goals,” Read concluded.