Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the predominant type used for BESS in the United States. Different Li-ion chemistries exist and may be chosen based on the balancing of needed energy density, thermal stability, battery life and cost:
Contact us to discuss your requirements of bess technology. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Incorporating battery energy storage solutions into your business operations in a safe, scalable, financially viable way requires that stakeholders successfully navigate the associated challenges. Before adopting BESS technology, careful consideration should be given, at a minimum, to:
In addition, three overarching industry concerns to keep in mind when considering if and which BESS is right for your business include:
Graphite, lithium, cobalt and nickel – important minerals for battery production – are predominantly sourced overseas. This can create cost, transportation and political challenges – although incentives provided in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS Act may help alleviate some of these pain points.
65% of flake GRAPHITE is mined in China, where labor and environmental conditions are typically not up to U.S. standards.4
75% of LITHIUM resources are found in Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, commonly referred to as the Lithium Triangle.4
65% of COBALT production occurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo.4
50% price increase following Indonesia’s 2014 ban on NICKEL exports, with similar international policies often causing price volatility for this resource.4
Fires can be caused by temperature, cell defects, damage during installation, operational issues and lack of maintenance.
One unique BESS hazard is battery fire and/or explosion caused by thermal runaway, or the rapid uncontrolled release of energy from a battery cell. Thermal runaway can be caused by an internal short circuit, which can be caused by mechanical, thermal or electrical damage to the battery before, during or after installation.
Some chemicals used to make batteries may be hazardous. Even when the best safe handling practices are followed, accidents can happen – and any damage caused during the manufacturing, transportation or disposal process can expose people working or living in or near a BESS facility to harmful gases or pollute the surrounding soil and groundwater.
Thermal runaways require a significant amount of water to cool and control. Potentially hazardous chemicals released during the fire can pollute the water used to fight it, contaminating any soil or groundwater absorbing the runoff.5 Fumes released can also be a risk to the public and first responders.
Managing BESS-related risk depends on planning, preparation and having a trusted, experienced partner. With a dedicated team of energy experts and Claim specialists, Travelers has been providing specialized coverage and risk control solutions to support owners and operators in the rapidly growing renewables industry for over 30 years.
To learn more, visit Travelers Insurance for the Renewable Energy Industry or contact your agent today.
Sources:
1 EIA projects that renewable generation will supply 44% of U.S. electricity by 2050, U.S. Energy Information Administration, March 18, 2022. - https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=51698
2 Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), 2019 Long-Term Energy Storage Outlook, Bloomberg NEF, New York, 2019 – as cited in Energy Storage Grand Challenge: Energy Storage Market Report, U.S. Department of Energy, December 2020, pg. 17. - https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/12/f81/Energy%20Storage%20Market%20Report%202020_0.pdf
3 U.S. battery storage capacity will increase significantly by 2025, U.S. Energy Information Administration, Dec. 8, 2022. - https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=54939
4 The Critical Ingredients Needed to Fuel the Battery Boom, Visual Capitalist, Oct. 26, 2016. - https://www.visualcapitalist.com/critical-ingredients-fuel-battery-boom/
5 Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage and Emerging Risks for Business, Travelers.com. - https://www.travelers.com/resources/business-industries/energy/lithium-ion-battery-energy-storage-emerging-risks-business
Battery energy storage systems are a cornerstone of energy transition strategies. Before you can transition from fossil-based systems to renewables, you need a step-by-step plan to implement a battery energy storage system (BESS). Review the top five considerations as you prepare for your energy transition and see how Global Power Supply can help power your transition.
1. Outline Project Scope
For most systems, the electrical demand requires a battery energy storage solution. This system allows green energy solutions, including wind and solar power, to replace fossil fuel-dependent alternatives. The first step in implementing a BESS is to carefully outline the scope of the project.
Is your goal net-zero carbon emissions, or are you looking to decrease your emissions by a set percentage? Will your energy storage system store only energy produced by renewables, or are you planning a gradual energy transition? You’ll need to identify your specific, actionable project goals before you can implement an energy storage system.
Are you interested in learning more about five power energy? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Solar, wind, and other renewables provide variable energy. A properly sized and designed storage system takes this variability into account, ensuring there’s always adequate power available. Your BESS system needs to factor in the energy source or sources. For example, a system relying solely on solar panels has installation factors that are distinct from a system that combines wind and solar energy sources.
Your available budget and required timeline for energy storage solutions are major factors in your project outline. Whether you conduct a feasibility report yourself or schedule an application study by a team of power equipment engineers, this will help you identify any obstacles before you implement an energy storage solution.
2. Explore Battery Options
The specific type of batteries you select for your energy storage system affects the cost, efficiency, and size requirements. Review the following battery factors and compare them with the scope of your project:
3. Estimate the Size of the Battery Energy Storage System
Your BESS needs to provide enough power for your energy needs. Failure to create a system with adequate power rating can disrupt the flow of continuous power. The power rating of an energy storage system describes the energy capable of flowing in or out of the system. This rating is typically measured in kilowatts, though larger projects are measured in megawatts. Here are the steps to estimate your energy usage:
These calculations can assist you in sizing your battery energy storage system. If you’re using a hybrid system that sources power from renewables and fuel sources, our power generation calculators can assist you in determining fuel consumption to complement your battery system.
4. Review BESS Site Requirements
Battery energy storage systems can be mobile units or fixed operations. Both require specific site features to ensure safe, efficient operation. These are just a few factors that you need to review to ensure your site is prepared for BESS installation:
If your organization doesn’t have the capability to perform a full site review, consider working with an experienced team of engineers. At Global Power Supply, we offer specific actionable recommendations based on an inspection of your BESS site, in addition to other power equipment services.
5. Perform Safety Training, Testing, and Documentation Process
A battery energy storage system needs to meet regulatory compliance to provide a safe, effective step in your energy transition strategy. Once your system is installed, your organization must continue to monitor safety standards, perform routine maintenance and testing, and document its operation to promote a safe energy storage solution. These ongoing steps not only maintain operational safety but also promote regulatory compliance.
Power engineers from Global Power Supply offer training and support services to assist you in preparing your employees for this transition to green energy. From maintenance schedules to proper safety routines, our team can work alongside you to prepare for efficient and compliant operations from day one.
Connect with Global Power Supply
Discover how to promote green energy use through renewables with a battery energy storage system. Contact us at Global Power Supply to learn more about how a BESS can assist you in your energy transition. Learn about our site-walk, load profile, and other services to see how our team of power engineers can help you take the next step toward net-zero or your own clean energy goals.
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