Battery energy storage systems (BESS) help businesses reduce their carbon footprint through several key mechanisms tied to their ability to store and manage energy more efficiently, particularly in conjunction with renewable energy sources:
1. Enabling Greater Use of Renewable Energy
BESS store electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind during periods of excess generation (e.g., midday solar peak) and release it when demand is higher or renewable generation is lower (e.g., evenings or cloudy days). This allows businesses to rely more on clean energy rather than fossil-fuel-based grid power, thereby reducing carbon emissions associated with their electricity consumption.
2. Reducing Reliance on Carbon-Intensive Grid Power
Because the carbon intensity of grid electricity fluctuates throughout the day—often higher during peak demand driven by fossil fuel plants—BESS can charge when grid carbon intensity is low (e.g., at night) and discharge during high carbon intensity periods. This time-shifting smooths demand peaks and lowers overall emissions linked to purchased electricity.
3. Optimizing Energy Use with Smart Controls
Modern BESS use intelligent control software and algorithms to optimize when to charge and discharge based not only on electricity prices but also on real-time grid carbon signals. When batteries co-optimize with carbon intensity data, they can significantly reduce emissions compared to batteries operated solely on economic factors. Without such emissions-aware control, batteries can inadvertently increase emissions by charging when electricity is dirtier.
4. Supporting Grid Decarbonization and Stability
At larger scales, BESS contribute to grid flexibility by storing excess renewable energy and reducing the need for carbon-intensive peaker plants to operate during demand spikes. This grid-level support helps accelerate the transition to zero-carbon electricity. However, the actual emissions reduction depends on how and where the battery is deployed and controlled.
5. Complementing On-site Clean Energy and Electrification
Businesses can combine BESS with on-site renewable generation (solar, wind) and electrification of processes (electric vehicles, heat pumps) to maximize emissions reductions. BESS enable better integration of these technologies by balancing energy supply and demand locally, reducing dependence on fossil-fueled grid power.
Summary of How BESS Reduce Carbon Footprint for Businesses:
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| Storage of renewable energy | Captures and uses solar/wind power when generated, reducing fossil fuel consumption |
| Time-shifting energy use | Charges when grid carbon intensity is low, discharges when high to reduce emissions |
| Smart control algorithms | Use carbon intensity signals to optimize battery operation for emissions reduction |
| Grid support and peak shaving | Reduces need for fossil peaker plants, helps grid absorb more renewables |
| Integration with onsite generation | Enables microgrids and increased self-consumption of clean energy |
While battery production and lifecycle have their own carbon footprint, advancements in manufacturing and second-life battery use continue to reduce this impact, further strengthening the net emissions benefits of BESS.
In summary, battery energy storage systems help businesses reduce their carbon footprint by enabling higher use of clean energy, optimizing energy consumption timing to shift away from fossil fuels, and supporting grid decarbonization efforts through smart, emissions-aware operation. The effectiveness depends on using appropriate controls that prioritize emissions reductions alongside cost savings.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-battery-energy-storage-systems-help-businesses-reduce-their-carbon-footprint/
