Climate change is an ever-present threat that must be addressed, and numerous countries around the world, national and state governments, scientific and research communities as well as innovative enterprises are taking more proactive actions to expand and accelerate the renewable energy industry to have a positive impact on climate change. There are developing trends in this field that are benefiting the industry, such as energy storage, which allows households and businesses alike, to improve energy usage, storage, and savings.

1. What are battery storage systems?

Battery storage systems enable users to store energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind. This energy is stored and can be released as needed. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) were developed to store extra energy from renewable sources so that it can be used during low-energy periods. This has now been applied for residential purposes, allowing homeowners who have installed solar panels in their homes to take advantage of these innovations. Nations that promote the use of these technologies can better contribute to the Paris Convention's goal of carbon neutrality, while also lowering the initial investment for residents while encouraging energy independence.

2. How does a battery storage system work?

Battery storage systems use a variety of components to store energy. In these systems, electrical energy is stored as charges in electrochemical cells. Capacity and voltage may be adjusted by connecting the cells in series, parallel, or both, making them extremely modular. Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems have received a lot of attention due to their use in portable devices, and they are the most prevalent storage systems for residential and commercial structures. Lithium-ion batteries are now the most common choice for household battery storage systems due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and low cost.

3. Save on your energy bills with peak shaving and time-of-use optimisation.

Peak shaving is an effective strategy, particularly when electricity contracts are based on peak power usage. Essentially, during peak hours when electricity demand (and thus costs) are at their highest, battery storage systems are used to discharge stored energy, thereby reducing overall peak power consumption. This action helps to reduce peak charges and lowers electricity bills. Another method for peak shaving is to use demand-side flexibility, in which adjustments are made to reduce energy consumption during peak periods, thereby aiding in cost-cutting strategies. Time-of-use optimisation, on the other hand, entails altering energy consumption habits depending on changing power rates at different times of the day. This usually entails moving energy consumption from peak hours to off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, hence optimising expenses. While both peak shaving and time-of-use optimisation can help to reduce power costs, peak shaving focuses on reducing peak demand, whereas time-of-use optimisation focuses on optimising energy usage at varied rates throughout the day.

4. Energy independence

Battery solar systems offer numerous benefits, including lower household expenses and increased efficiency in the utilisation of renewable energy sources. Another advantage of adopting battery storage systems is that it increases family and community energy independence. You will no longer need to rely on grid-provided energy; instead, you will be able to use the energy you generate through your solar panels and store it through the battery storage system. During power outages and blackouts, you can power your home with your own saved energy, however, this is dependent on the sort of battery storage system you use. If your neighbourhood is prone to continuous power disruptions or is impacted by harsh weather, a battery storage system is a must.

5. Reducing your carbon footprint

A battery energy storage system can significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with electricity usage by simply charging at times when carbon intensity is low, such as overnight, and then tapping into that stored energy for use during periods when grid carbon intensity is high. Charging a 1MW BESS overnight when carbon intensity is lower would save a conservative estimate of 10,000kg of CO2 overcharging during the day, based on monthly carbon intensity averages. A critical step towards maximising carbon savings is having your battery act as a buffer for the grid rather than just satisfying your demands.

6. Supporting renewable integration

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play an important role in addressing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. By storing excess energy from sources such as solar and wind, BESS provides dependable backup during periods of low generation or high demand. Furthermore, BESS helps to smooth out fluctuations in renewable energy output, maintaining a continuous and stable power supply to the grid by absorbing excess energy during peak production hours and releasing it during periods of low output. BESS contributes to grid stability by responding swiftly to variations in renewable energy generation, allowing for stable frequency and voltage. This ability to provide grid stabilisation services is critical as the share of renewable energy in the mix grows

7. Future predictions for battery storage systems in the UK

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are critical to meeting the UK's net-zero emissions target. Batteries contribute to the grid's supply and demand balance by smoothly integrating with renewable sources such as wind and solar. This efficiency improves grid stability and lowers emissions.

8. Economic advantages and grid resilience

9. Installing battery storage systems is a step towards sustainability.