How do they Work?

Battery energy storage systems are far more sophisticated than the batteries in your kitchen drawer or in your kids' toys. A battery storage system can be charged using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Algorithms are utilized in intelligent battery software to coordinate energy production and computerized control systems are used to determine when to store energy or release it to the grid. During peak demand, energy is released from the battery storage system, keeping prices down and electricity flowing. Renewable energy storage necessitates low-cost technologies with extended lifetimes (charging and discharging thousands of times), are safe, and can store enough energy cost-effectively to meet demand.

A British scientist invented lithium-ion batteries in the 1970s, and Sony utilized them for the first time commercially in 1991, for the company's portable video recorder. While they are now the most economically effective energy storage alternative, a number of other battery storage technologies are currently under development.

Image: GE Renewable Energy

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Battery storage, also known as battery energy storage systems (BESS), are technology that allows renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to be stored and then released as needed. Battery storage technology is critical to ensuring that homes and businesses can be powered by renewable energy even when the sun isn't shining, or the wind isn't blowing. Every day, engineers at National Grid and other power systems across the world must match supply and demand. When the goal is to attain net zero carbon generation, managing these peaks and troughs becomes more difficult. Traditionally, fossil-fuel-powered plants have been employed to control these peaks and troughs, but battery energy storage facilities can eventually replace a part of these so-called peaking power producers.