What challenges does Bess face in the UK?

Navigating the regulatory and policy landscape is another challenge. In the UK, policies regarding energy storage, grid integration, and subsidies for renewable energy are continually evolving. Staying informed and compliant with these regulations is crucial for successful BESS implementation.

What is Bess & how does it work?

One key application is for load shifting on-site generation, charging the battery from surplus solar or wind energy and discharging it later in the day to reduce grid import. Moreover, BESS is often used for peak shaving – reducing power usage during peak demand times to lower energy costs.

Will Bess be a dominant storage technology in 2023?

We expect that by 2023 the installed capacity of BESS in GB could exceed other forms of storage (such as pumped hydro), making battery energy the dominant storage technology. 67% of projects that are currently in the pipeline have secured capacity market contracts for delivery dates from 2021 to 2024.

What is a Bess energy management system?

A crucial component of the BESS operation is its Energy Management System (EMS), which intelligently controls the charging and discharging of the batteries. Wattstor’s unique Podium EMS, for example, allows for day-ahead forecasting of price, generation, load and battery state of charge.

Will a Bess site be bigger in 2024?

Changes in UK planning legislation allow assets over 50 MW to be built without going through the national planning process. This is likely a driver of average capacity being larger on future BESS projects. We see three sites above 100 MW planned to come online in 2024.

Where should a Bess be placed?

Place the BESS as close as possible to the instantaneous load equipment (e.g. tower crane) to minimise the length of outgoing large cable to reduce cost. Rather, longer incoming cable could be acceptable because of much smaller current and lower cost, providing higher wiring flexibility.