In the evolving landscape of energy in India, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have emerged as a game-changer for industry and commercial establishment owners. As the nation strides towards sustainable energy solutions, understanding the intricacies of BESS is crucial for businesses aiming for efficiency and economic viability. This blog explores the benefits and applications of BESS, focusing on how they can significantly reduce electricity costs, especially during peak hours.
Understanding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
BESS, a pivotal component in the renewable energy storage sector, allows for the storage and release of energy as needed. This system is particularly relevant in India, where energy demands fluctuate and the integration of renewable sources like solar and wind power is increasing. Lithium-ion batteries, known for their high energy density and long charge-discharge cycles, are a popular choice in these systems.
The Role of Charge-Discharge Cycles
Charge-discharge cycles are at the heart of BESS’s functionality. These cycles refer to the process of charging (storing energy) and discharging (releasing energy) of the batteries. The efficiency and lifespan of BESS largely depend on the quality of these cycles, making it a critical factor in the energy storage solutions.
Stabilizing the Grid
Grid stabilization is another significant advantage of BESS. By providing firm and dispatchable renewable energy, these systems ensure a steady and reliable power supply. They play a crucial role in managing peak power demands, offering round-the-clock power and mitigating the intermittency of renewable sources.
Market and Solutions in India
India’s battery energy storage market is burgeoning, with numerous players offering a variety of battery energy storage solutions. From NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) batteries, which balance power, energy density, and safety, to the high-temperature tolerance of NaS (Sodium-Sulfur) batteries, the options are diverse.
Cost Considerations while buying a Battery
The cost of batteries is a vital aspect for businesses. While initially high, the long-term benefits of reduced electricity bills and lower dependence on grid power make BESS a financially sound investment. Moreover, innovations in technology are gradually bringing down the cost of batteries, making it more accessible.
How to Choose the Best Battery technology for your Stationary storage application
Choosing the best battery for stationary storage depends on several factors including cost, energy density, lifespan, safety, and environmental impact. Here’s a comparison of Lithium-Ion, Zinc Carbide, and Sodium batteries in these aspects:
Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Energy Density: High energy density, offering more energy storage per unit of weight.
- Lifespan: Good lifespan with many cycles, though it degrades over time.
- Cost: Generally more expensive, but prices have been decreasing.
- Safety: Risks of thermal runaway and fire, though advancements are being made.
- Environmental Impact: Mining for lithium and cobalt can have significant environmental impacts.
Zinc Carbide Batteries
- Energy Density: Typically lower than lithium-ion.
- Lifespan: Can have a long lifespan, but this can vary depending on the specific technology.
- Cost: Potentially cheaper than lithium-ion, especially in terms of raw materials.
- Safety: Generally safer than lithium-ion, with less risk of fire or explosion.
- Environmental Impact: Zinc is more abundant and less harmful to extract than lithium.
Sodium Batteries
- Energy Density: Lower than lithium-ion, which means they are larger and heavier for the same amount of energy storage.
- Lifespan: Comparable to lithium-ion, but this can vary with the technology.
- Cost: Sodium is abundant and cheap, potentially making these batteries more cost-effective.
- Safety: Typically safer than lithium-ion.
- Environmental Impact: Sodium is more environmentally friendly and easier to recycle.
Lithium-Ion is currently the most popular choice for high energy density and efficiency, but it’s more expensive and has environmental concerns.Zinc Carbide offers a balance between cost, safety, and environmental friendliness, but with lower energy density.
Sodium Batteries are promising for their low cost and environmental friendliness, but they have lower energy density and are bulkier.
What is Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) for BESS in India ?
In India, the concept of Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) is gaining traction as a solution to integrate renewable sources like wind and solar into the power grid reliably. FDRE essentially means making renewable energy available on demand, overcoming the intermittent nature of wind and solar power. This is achieved through the use of energy storage systems, primarily batteries, which store excess energy generated during peak sun or wind periods and release it during low production times or peak demand.
The integration of FDRE in India is crucial due to the country’s growing energy needs and commitment to sustainable development. By using advanced battery storage technology, India can stabilize its grid, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and make renewable energy sources more viable and consistent. This approach not only supports India’s ambitious renewable energy targets but also enhances grid reliability and paves the way for a more sustainable and energy-secure future. The adoption of FDRE is a step forward in India’s journey towards a cleaner, greener energy landscape, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Choosing the appropriate BESS involves assessing factors like battery type, capacity, and the specific energy needs of the establishment. Industry and commercial owners must consider their energy consumption patterns, peak power requirements, and the desired level of grid independence.
Disclaimer: The below list does not signify any rankings, rather just gives you an indication of some of the companies operating in this space. The Reader shall get in touch with the companies directly to understand the quality and capabilities of the companies before any purchase.
Top Battery Energy Storage Companies in India (BESS)
India boasts several leading companies in the BESS sector. These firms offer a range of solutions, catering to different scales and needs of businesses. Researching and selecting a reputable provider is key to ensuring a high-quality and efficient BESS installation.
KORE Power
is a leading U.S.-based developer specializing in battery cell technology for clean energy industries. The company prioritizes customer service, offering secure, scalable solutions with a commitment to completing projects on time. Safety and ease of use are key focuses in their product design, ensuring customer reassurance in their superior products. KORE Power invests significantly in research and development (R&D) to maintain high standards of quality, safety, and reliability in their products. This commitment extends to the continual improvement of their proprietary tier 1 cells, backed by heavy R&D investments. Additionally, they are planning to construct a 12 GWh battery cell manufacturing facility in the U.S
Newen Systems
in partnership with Dynapower (USA), provides advanced engineering solutions, having deployed over 1.5 GW of clean energy systems in 60 countries. Specializing in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in India, they offer comprehensive solutions for BESS, Green Hydrogen (H2), and e-Mobility Infrastructure. Their services include bespoke project design and simulation, with a focus on both AC and DC coupled systems, ensuring maximum economic value. Newen’s capabilities are further enhanced by a 2 GW UL & ISO Certified product manufacturing line and an in-house testing and simulation setup.
BASF NaS Batteries
BASF’s NAS (Sodium-Sulfur) Batteries are designed for stationary energy storage, featuring sodium as the negative electrode and sulfur as the positive electrode. A distinctive beta-alumina ceramic tube acts as the electrolyte, allowing only sodium ions to pass through. This design enables the battery to efficiently manage energy discharge, with sodium being oxidized and sulfur reduced to form polysulfide during this process. These batteries come in containerized systems with a capacity of 250KW/1.450MWh, allowing for easy transportation and quick installation. Notably, NAS batteries have a long lifespan of 20 years or 7,300 cycles, owing to their slow degradation. This durability, coupled with an optimal discharge duration of six to eight hours, makes them particularly suitable for integrating and stabilizing power from renewable energy sources into the grid or for industrial use.
EOS Energy Solution
Eos Energy Enterprises is at the forefront of revolutionizing energy storage with its innovative Eos Z3™ battery modules. These zinc-powered aqueous liquid battery modules are the only U.S.-designed and manufactured alternative to lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries for critical 3- to 12-hour discharge duration applications. Eos’s technology focuses on simplicity, safety, durability, and flexibility, surpassing the limitations of conventional stationary energy storage solutions. The Z3 modules offer exceptional performance and are price-competitive, especially in 3- to 12-hour discharge duration applications.
The Eos Z3™ features a unique design with aqueous electrolyte, bipolar electrodes, and a polymer casing. Its non-degradable bipolar electrodes are mechanically tough and chemically stable, while its high-performance aqueous electrolyte enhances zinc solubility and plating, eliminating dendrite and densification issues. The fully-sealed polymer casing ensures no risk of external leaking. These modules store electrical energy through zinc deposition, with an electrolyte that allows dynamic separation of electrodes. This design ensures high tolerance to operational variations and low degradation over time.
Eos’s solutions are tailored to a decentralized, democratized, and decarbonized energy system. They offer operational benefits with lower lifetime costs, promising a significant reduction in levelized cost of storage compared to traditional lithium-ion technology. Eos provides various solutions, including the fully-containerized Eos Cube, the capacity-focused Eos Hangar, and the Eos Stack, designed for indoor storage in urban locations. These solutions are part of Eos’s commitment to providing more operationally and economically viable energy storage for a diverse range of customers and application.
MIDWEST Battery
Midwest Battery is a distinguished U.S.-based wholesale distributor of batteries, catering to a wide range of applications such as automotive, commercial, golf, marine, and RV. They pride themselves on their seasoned management team and extensive industry experience, which includes successful ventures like Batteries.com, Worldwide Battery, and Eagle Battery. Their expertise makes them a valuable partner for businesses seeking growth or maintenance in the battery sector. Midwest Battery represents world-class battery manufacturers, ensuring high-quality products for their clients. They stand out for their streamlined order fulfillment, minimal backorders, orderly warranty processing, labor-saving core retrieval, and efficient administrative processes. With a commitment to surpassing customer expectations, Midwest Battery aims to provide ideal battery solutions at competitive prices, overcoming the challenges of wholesale battery procurement and solidifying their position as a trusted distributor in the nation
Invergy Batteries
Invergy Power Supply is dedicated to elevating the solar industry through innovative product development and optimizing energy-cost ratios with advanced technologies. Key products include ONGRID Inverters, LFP Batteries, Hybrid Inverters, EV Chargers, and energy storage solutions, developed in collaboration with Mr. Vijay Goel, a UK-based corporate lawyer and business consultant. The company focuses on complete solutions rather than individual components, ensuring broad customer needs are met with user-friendly system monitoring and a diverse product range. Invergy provides expert customer care, hassle-free installation support, and reliable transportation for both rural and urban deliveries. The company has a significant presence in India, UAE, and London
Dynapower Batteries
Dynapower is a leader in energy storage and power conversion systems, contributing to a resilient, clean energy future. They power the world’s leading brands and institutions with solutions including energy storage systems, inverters, DC converters, rectifiers, and custom transformers. Their technologies, particularly in hydrogen power systems and state-of-the-art energy storage, are designed to maximize productivity and enhance grid strength. The company offers comprehensive services and support worldwide, including field service, maintenance, controls upgrades, and training. With a history dating back to 1963, Dynapower has deployed 36,000 power conversion units worldwide, commissioned 1.2 gigawatts of clean energy systems globally, and provides 24/7 technical support across five continents
Reducing Electricity Costs with BESS
One of the most compelling aspects of BESS is its ability to reduce electricity costs during peak hours. By storing energy when demand and prices are low and releasing it during high-demand periods, businesses can significantly lower their energy expenses. This not only aids in cost-saving but also promotes a more sustainable energy consumption pattern.
Types of Battery Energy Storage Technologies
Apart from Lithium-ion and NaS batteries, the market offers other types like Lead-Acid and Flow batteries. Each type has its unique advantages and suitability, depending on the specific requirements of a business. Understanding these types helps in making an informed decision.
The Future of BESS in India
The future of BESS in India looks promising. With the government’s push towards renewable energy and the increasing need for efficient energy management, the adoption of BESS is set to rise. This growth will likely bring more innovation, making these systems even more effective and affordable.
Conclusion
Battery Energy Storage Systems offer a transformative solution for industry and commercial establishments in India. By ensuring efficient energy management, reducing costs, and promoting sustainability, BESS stands as a pivotal component in India’s energy landscape. As technology advances and costs become more competitive, the adoption of BESS is expected to accelerate, paving the way for a more energy-efficient and sustainable future.
FAQs for BESS Battery Energy Storage Systems for Solar in India
- What are stationary battery storage systems?
- First things first, what exactly are we talking about? Stationary battery storage systems are systems designed to store electrical energy for later use. They are essential for balancing power supply and demand, especially in areas with renewable energy sources like solar or wind, which might not always produce power when you need it.
- Why are they important in India?
- In India, with its increasing focus on renewable energy, these storage systems are crucial. They help in managing the intermittency of solar and wind energy, ensure a stable energy supply, and can be lifesavers during power outages, which are still common in many parts of the country.
- What types of batteries are used?
- Common types include lead-acid, lithium-ion, and flow batteries. Each has its pros and cons in terms of cost, efficiency, lifespan, and environmental impact. Lithium-ion batteries, for instance, are popular for their high energy density and longer lifespans.
- How much do they cost?
- The cost varies depending on the type, capacity, and technology of the battery. While upfront costs can be significant, prices have been falling, and considering the long-term benefits, they can be a worthy investment.
- Are there any government incentives or subsidies?
- Yes! The Indian government offers various incentives and subsidies, especially for solar energy storage. It’s always a good idea to check the latest policies as these incentives can change over time.
- How to choose the right system for my needs?
- Consider your energy needs, the frequency and duration of power outages in your area, and your budget. Consulting with a renewable energy expert can also help tailor the system to your specific requirements.
- What about maintenance and lifespan?
- Maintenance requirements vary by type. Lead-acid batteries typically need more maintenance than lithium-ion ones. The lifespan also varies, usually ranging from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type and usage patterns.
- Can these systems be used with solar panels?
- Absolutely! Pairing them with solar panels is a fantastic way to create a sustainable, self-sufficient energy system. This combination is particularly popular for residential and commercial setups in India.
