Batteries
Making energy available when it is most needed
Battery Energy Storage
Although not a source of energy by themselves, batteries are a key component in the future of renewable energy. They allow, amongst others, to store excess renewable energy to make it available to grids in moments where production is lower, to meet peak demand while providing grid stability services.
What are Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?
Batteries are objects familiar to all, and utility-scale batteries used in energy storage systems are not much different from batteries we use in our every day lives, like in our cellphones or computers. Battery Energy Storage Systems charge and discharge energy at different times of the day, providing a service. Utility-scale batteries are stationary and connected to the grid, usually near a power transmission infrastructure such as a substation, our coupled to a renewable energy generation site such as a solar photovoltaic facility, storing energy or injecting stored power back to the grid. Along with the batteries, which are typically integrated in container-like structures, a Battery Energy Storage System site typically also has an operations and maintenance building, underground and overhead electrical cables, safety equipment and inverters to convert the grid’s alternating current into the direct current used in the batteries and vice-versa. A battery energy storage facility, depending on its capacity and duration, typically does not require a lot of space to be installed. Innergex deploys batteries both in standalone facilities or as part of renewable energy production facilities.
Capacity and duration metrics
Battery capacity is usually communicated in hours or in how much energy it is capable of storing in Megawatt hours (MWh). For example, a battery system that is capable of delivering 10 MW for a duration of 2 hours would have an energy capacity of 20 MWh (it would charge or discharge 10 MW per hour for a maximum of 2 hours). A battery capable of delivering 10 MW with an energy capacity of 40 MWh would have a 4-hour duration (it could charge or discharge 10 MW per hour for a maximum of 4 hours, up to its maximum capacity of 40 MWh).
The technology
Growing the share of energy generated from renewable energies like wind and solar is indispensable to fight climate change. To make full use of this energy, it is necessary to add storage systems at key locations on the power grid. This way, solar energy can be delivered to the power grid well into the evening, and wind energy can continue to be used when the wind ceases to blow. This helps fulfil peak demand, while contributing to the electrical grid stability and resiliency. This helps keep costs down and carbon emissions low.
Battery Energy Storage Systems have and will continue to evolve towards greater efficiency and above all higher standards of safety. Innergex works with the top energy storage suppliers and deploys its batteries according to the highest safety standards in the market.
