A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) uses batteries to store electrical energy, playing a versatile role in the electricity grid and integrating renewable energies. BESS, ranging from residential units to large utility-scale systems, balance energy supply and demand, provide ancillary services, and support renewable energy sources. They vary in storage capacity and power capability.
BESS must meet regulatory requirements and can be used for grid stabilisation, peak shaving, load shifting, and increasing self-consumption of renewable energy. Their services are marketable on ancillary, capacity, and wholesale markets.
A BESS includes several components:
- Battery cells: Core component where energy is stored.
- Power electronics: Converts power for battery charging and energy release.
- Battery management system (BMS): Controls charging and discharging, ensuring optimal current and protection.
- Metering and communication: Measures energy flow and communicates with the grid.
- Modules for market participation: Connects the BESS with energy markets, signalling when to store or release electricity based on market analysis or grid operator control.
SAE Renewables Limited (LON:SAE) was founded in 2005 as a supplier of tidal stream turbines, SAE quickly grew to include development of tidal stream projects and is the majority owner of MeyGen, the world’s largest tidal stream energy project.
