BESS
Battery energy storage
What is energy storage and why is it needed?
Energy storage enables the capture of energy generated at specific times for later use, ensuring its availability when demand requires it.
This technology is a strategic component for maintaining grid stability and reliable system operations, and plays a key role in the decarbonization of the energy system. By enabling greater use of renewable generation, energy storage helps maximize renewable output while reducing reliance on conventional and carbon-intensive sources.
Traditionally, energy has been generated from primary sources such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear power. The supply is adjusted to meet demand. However, this model results in high CO₂ emissions and other pollutants.
Energy storage
Today, in the face of climate change, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind have taken center stage as:
They generate clean electricity intermittently, as they depend on sunlight and wind conditions.
A BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) is a large-scale battery designed to store clean energy generated from renewable sources and release it when needed, ensuring a stable, efficient, and sustainable power supply.
These solutions make it possible to maximize the use of solar and wind energy, improve grid stability, and take a meaningful step toward a low-emissions energy future.
Key components
A BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) is an energy storage system composed of multiple battery modules interconnected and housed within a sealed container.
How a BESS works
BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) function as large “smart batteries” connected to the electrical grid.
Energy storage
When electricity generation exceeds demand, the BESS stores the excess energy produced.
During periods of higher consumption, it releases the stored energy back to the grid, minimizing losses and ensuring that generated electricity is used efficiently.
Grid support and stability
In addition to storing energy, BESS systems provide essential ancillary services that help ensure a reliable grid:
- Frequency regulation
- Voltage stabilization
These are key elements for the safe and sustainable integration of renewable energy.
Key benefits of BESS systems
BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) not only provide flexibility to the electrical grid, but also deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits.
- Energy optimization: enables better energy management and supports strategies such as peak shaving.
- Cost reduction: storing energy during low-price periods and dispatching it during high-price periods improves overall profitability.
- Resilience and reliability: provides backup power during grid outages, ensuring continuity of supply.
- Support for renewable energy: enhances the integration of solar and wind generation into the grid.
- Biodiversity protection: projects may include compensatory measures (such as bird nesting boxes or insect habitats) that support local wildlife.
- Emissions reduction: optimizing renewable energy use reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
- Regulatory compliance and sustainability: supports decarbonization targets and the clean energy transition.
- Local initiatives: supports projects that generate tangible and lasting benefits for local communities.
- Education and outreach: collaboration with schools and organization of events or site visits to promote awareness of the energy transition.
- Tax contributions: Revenue generation for municipalities through construction and operational taxes.
- Local economic development: Job creation and business to local suppliers during construction and maintenance phases.
BESS applications
BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) are a proven technology designed to store and dispatch energy flexibly while, improving system efficiency and stability and reducing the risk of outages and blackouts.
Residential
Self-consumption and backup
When installing residential solar panels, electricity is only generated during the day.
Small-scale batteries allow this energy to be stored and used at night or during cloudy days, ensuring reliable renewable power 24/7.
Commercial & Industrial
Demand optimization
Businesses with variable energy consumption can store energy during periods of low demand or high renewable generation. This reduces peak loads and stabilizes internal systems which ultimately lowers electricity costs.
Utility-scale
Large-scale integration
Solar and wind plants can store energy in large-scale batteries (>1 MWh) and dispatch it when demand is high. These systems also support grid stability and maximize renewable energy use by avoiding curtailment losses.
Microgrids and decentralized projects
Local systems combining renewable generation, storage, and consumption enable greater energy independence and flexibility, efficiently connecting communities, industries, and residential users.
Key technical features
High capacity and power
Scalable and modular
Renewable integration
Safety and intelligent monitoring
BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) are designed to optimize energy management in large-scale installations, enabling the integration of renewable energy and enhancing grid stability.
It depends on usage, but current technology allows for up to 20 years of operation, even with one full charge and discharge cycle per day.
- Energy storage technologies include thermal, mechanical, chemical, electrical, and electrochemical systems.
- Electrochemical batteries stand out for their efficiency, scalability, and compatibility with renewable energy.
Hydropower vs. BESS:
- Hydropower: depends on water availability and plant type (must be pumped storage rather than run-of-river) and cannot respond quickly to demand peaks. It also has a significantly higher visual impact.
- BESS: provides rapid response, supports grid stability, and, for the same installed capacity, requires significantly less land and reduced visual impact.
- Regular inspection of electrical connections.
- Replacement of filters and cooling fluids when needed.
- Continuous monitoring of key parameters such as temperature, voltage, and current to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Yes, BESS systems can be easily integrated into existing electrical infrastructure, optimizing grid operations and renewable energy plants.
- Each project is designed to minimize visual and noise impact, protect wildlife and biodiversity, and support local economic development.
- Projects are tailored to each location, incorporating safety, efficiency, and integration in both rural and urban environments.
A typical project may occupy around 1 hectare (approximately 1.5 soccer fields). Battery modules require limited space (a standard container occupies just 14.64 m²) and have a low profile (under 3 meters in height). These are not large-scale “mega projects.”
For example, a 360 MW BESS installation would require up to 200 times less land compared to other technologies, with significantly lower impact than solar PV or wind projects.
| Project | Land use per MW of installed capacity |
|---|---|
| Standalone BESS plant | 128 m² |
| Solar photovoltaic plant | 20,000 m² |
| Wind farm | 10,000 m² |
- Ground-mounted installations require minimal earthwork, mainly limited to container foundations. In addition, as they are typically located near existing transmission or distribution substations, the impact of grid connection infrastructure is significantly reduced.
- The footprint of battery systems is becoming increasingly compact, reaching approximately 50 m² per MWh.
- Projects minimize visual and noise impacts through landscaping measures such as hedgerows and tree barriers, and through integrated design choices—using appropriate colors and materials that blend with the surrounding environment.
- Lithium batteries, like any electrical device, can catch fire, but incidents are extremely rare (approximately 0.01% annually worldwide).
- They incorporate advanced control and safety systems, including fire protection and spill containment measures, to minimize any risk and protect both the environment and human health.
- What if that 0.01% occurs? In the event of a failure, there are no explosions and no significant risks to people or infrastructure.
- No toxic gases are generated; only trace amounts of H₂, CO₂, and CO may be released. There is also no domino effect between modules, as required safety distances are maintained. Temperature increases in nearby equipment remain below 10°C.
- For context, in rural areas, nearly 70% of fires are caused by human negligence, such as agricultural burning or poorly managed livestock activities (Source: Civio).
Fire safety, prevention, and suppression systems
- Compartmentalization to prevent fire propagation to other modules
- Internal detection using multispectral infrared (IR) cameras
- Active cooling systems
- Flammable gas monitoring and control
- Automatic shutdown in case of failure
- Self-extinguishing capability of modules without the need for water
- Equipment is internationally certified, complying with fire and explosion safety standards
The main sources of noise in a BESS installation are associated with cooling systems and inverters, which manage energy storage and dispatch.
For each project, an acoustic study is conducted to assess operational noise levels and ensure compliance with applicable noise regulations.
To minimize impact on nearby communities and wildlife, site-specific mitigation measures—such as natural or engineered barriers—are implemented.
Various solutions are used, including low-noise, variable-speed fans, acoustic barriers, and sound enclosures. Cooling systems can also be centralized, and silencers may be installed.
- Battery cells themselves do not produce noise during charging or discharging.
- Noise primarily comes from cooling fans, with a typical level of around 65 dB (comparable to a household washing machine). At a distance of just 10 meters, even without additional mitigation measures, noise levels can fall below strict regulatory limits (~45 dB).
- Additional natural or artificial barriers are implemented as needed to further reduce impact, depending on site conditions.
- No electromagnetic pollution: Batteries do not generate fluctuating electromagnetic fields that could affect people or animals.
- Operate on direct current (DC): This eliminates the generation of significant electromagnetic fields.
- Comparative safety: Exposure levels are similar to or lower than those from everyday devices such as smartphones, laptops, or electric vehicles—and far lower than radiation from a microwave or direct sunlight.
Spill prevention and safety
- BESS systems are designed as intelligent, self-contained units, capable of retaining potential leaks and detecting anomalies early through advanced diagnostics and liquid containment systems.
- Batteries undergo more than 20 safety tests (including overcharge, puncture, thermal stress, vibration, and temperature), demonstrating no leaks, fires, or explosions under standard or controlled conditions.
Waste management
Historical incident rates per installed MWh are negligible compared to other industries.
- Waste minimization at source during construction, operation, and decommissioning phases.
- Delivery to authorized waste management providers (collection, transport, and treatment in compliance with regulations).
- Promotion of recycling and recovery of specialized materials.
- Alignment with best practices and full traceability.
- Each module includes detailed information such as manufacturer, battery model, geographic location, EU declaration of conformity, and lifecycle-specific carbon footprint.