As organisations across the private & public sectors face rising electricity costs, increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets and growing concerns around energy resilience, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are moving from niche applications into mainstream energy infrastructure…
Whether supporting renewable energy generation, reducing peak demand charges or improving operational resilience, energy storage can help organisations gain greater control over how and when they consume energy. However, with a growing range of technologies, suppliers and commercial models available, selecting the right solution requires careful evaluation.
Start with Operational Objectives
One of the most common mistakes organisations make is focusing on battery technology before defining their objectives. Energy storage can deliver value in several ways, including:
- reducing peak demand costs;
- storing renewable energy for later use;
- improving energy resilience;
- supporting EV charging infrastructure;
- participating in grid flexibility services; and
- reducing carbon emissions.
Understanding the primary business drivers behind a project is essential when determining the most appropriate system size, technology and supplier.
For some organisations, cost reduction may be the priority. For others, resilience or sustainability outcomes may carry greater importance.
Understanding Technology Options
Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the commercial energy storage market due to their maturity, efficiency and scalability.
However, alternative technologies are also emerging, including:
- lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries;
- flow batteries;
- thermal energy storage;
- second-life battery systems; and
- hybrid energy storage solutions.
Each option offers different strengths in terms of lifespan, performance, safety, charging characteristics and total cost of ownership.
Energy managers should assess technologies against operational requirements rather than focusing solely on upfront costs.
Integration Is Key to Long-Term Value
Energy storage rarely operates in isolation. Increasingly, organisations are integrating battery systems with:
- solar PV installations;
- building management systems (BMS);
- energy management platforms;
- EV charging infrastructure; and
- smart grid services.
The ability to connect and optimise multiple energy assets can significantly improve return on investment and operational performance. As a result, integration capabilities should be a major consideration during supplier evaluations.
Monitoring, Cybersecurity and Lifecycle Support
Modern energy storage systems rely heavily on software, remote monitoring and data analytics. Energy managers should therefore evaluate:
- monitoring and reporting capabilities;
- cybersecurity measures;
- software update policies;
- predictive maintenance tools;
- warranty terms; and
- long-term support arrangements.
Battery systems are long-term infrastructure investments, making supplier stability and lifecycle management support particularly important.
Energy Storage Supplier Selection Checklist
When evaluating energy storage solutions, organisations should consider:
- Alignment with business and energy objectives
- System performance and efficiency
- Scalability and future expansion options
- Integration with existing energy infrastructure
- Renewable energy compatibility
- Energy management and optimisation software
- Cybersecurity and data protection measures
- Safety certifications and compliance standards
- Monitoring and reporting capabilities
- Warranty and lifecycle support
- Supplier financial stability and track record
- Total cost of ownership
Product Guide: Leading Energy Storage Solutions
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Tesla Megapack
- Fluence
- Sungrow
- Wärtsilä Energy Storage
- BYD Energy Storage
- Huawei Digital Power
Commercial & Industrial Energy Storage
- Schneider Electric
- ABB
- Eaton
- Socomec
- Connected Energy
Energy Management & Optimisation Platforms
- Schneider Electric EcoStruxure
- ABB Ability
- Siemens Grid Software
- Envision Digital
- GridBeyond
Renewable & Microgrid Integration
- Hitachi Energy
- GE Vernova
- Centrica Business Solutions
- Eaton Brightlayer
The most suitable solution will depend on site characteristics, energy usage patterns, resilience requirements and long-term sustainability goals.
Energy Storage Is Becoming Part of Wider Energy Strategy
As energy markets become more volatile and organisations continue their journey towards net zero, energy storage is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset rather than a standalone technology investment.
The most successful projects are those that combine clear objectives, strong integration capabilities and long-term operational planning. For energy managers, the challenge is how to select a solution that delivers measurable value across cost reduction, resilience and sustainability objectives.
Battery storage is likely to become a core building block of intelligent, flexible and low-carbon energy infrastructure.
Are you searching for Energy Storage solutions for your organisation? The Energy Management Summit can help!
Photo by Rook of Arts on Unsplash
