Enterprise energy shift: how storage techologies are suddenly reshaping the playing field
As the world moves towards electrified mobility and the energy transition, the role of storage systems becomes increasingly crucial. These systems are tasked with smoothing out peak loads, reducing external supply dependence, and increasing operational flexibility. However, network charges and peak load surcharges can remain high if the performance and control behavior of the storage system do not match the load structure for electrified mobility.
The electrification of industrial mobility increases peak load by five to six times, putting a strain on the existing energy infrastructure. To ensure future supply security, companies must plan for grid-independent solutions. Storage systems for electrified mobility must anticipate future load developments and be capable of discharging energy over the required duration to match demand peaks or off-grid needs.
Fast response is crucial for grid services like frequency regulation and voltage control, improving reliability and integration with renewables. Opt for solutions with long lifetimes and minimal degradation, such as advanced batteries with adaptive management or gravitational storage systems with up to 35 years of lifetime. The storage should easily integrate with existing energy systems like solar PV, backup generators, and grid infrastructure.
Modular designs enable capacity expansion without major overhauls, supporting evolving energy needs and budget management. Account for footprint, ambient temperature, cooling requirements, and site layout to ensure system reliability and efficiency. Choose solutions with robust battery management systems, safety certifications, and maintenance protocols to reduce operational risks and total cost of ownership.
Energy storage can protect operations during grid outages or peak price events, reduce energy costs by peak shaving, and enable participation in energy markets for additional revenue streams. For true grid independence, storage should support energy self-sufficiency by efficiently managing energy flows and allow safe, reliable operation off-grid. Consider lifecycle emissions, recyclability, and responsible end-of-life management to align with sustainability goals of the energy transition.
The current boom in photovoltaics has created a market for storage solutions with varying quality levels. It is essential to work with partners who understand technical and systemic interrelationships for electrified mobility. Relying solely on cheap storage systems may miss savings targets for electrified mobility. Decentralization of power supply is important, with on-site self-consumption gaining importance to relieve public grid infrastructure.
In summary, a strategic energy storage investment balances technical performance (capacity, lifespan, response time), system compatibility, operational autonomy (modularity, control systems), and economic benefits (cost savings, new revenue) while ensuring safety and sustainability to support grid-independence and resilience through the energy transition. Quality of storage technologies varies greatly, and poor investments can lead to strategic misinvestments. Storage solutions for electrified mobility are a strategic factor in the energy system.
- To accommodate the increased demand and ensure energy security, companies in the renewable-energy industry must consider grid-independent solutions for electrified mobility, which include storage systems capable of discharging energy over the required duration to match demand peaks or off-grid needs.
- In the business of energy, fast response is crucial for grid services like frequency regulation and voltage control, and so, solutions with long lifetimes and minimal degradation, such as advanced batteries with adaptive management or gravitational storage systems, are preferable to ensure reliability and integration with renewables.
- For true grid independence and to align with sustainability goals of the energy transition, businesses should choose storage solutions with robust battery management systems, safety certifications, and proper end-of-life management to reduce operational risks and total cost of ownership, while also considering lifecycle emissions and recyclability.
