Transforming Operations and Maintenance Strategies for Battery Energy Storage Systems

**O&M for BESS Requires a Shift in Industry Thinking**

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are quickly becoming essential to the renewable energy transition. Their ability to store and dispatch energy from intermittent sources like wind and solar is critical for creating a more flexible and resilient grid. However, while BESS technology has significantly advanced in recent years, ensuring reliability extends beyond just sophisticated hardware and software; it hinges on effective maintenance practices.

Despite their increasing importance, BESS facilities remain widely misunderstood, especially regarding operations and maintenance (O&M). Many high-value systems are erroneously viewed as self-sufficient technologies that require minimal oversight. The belief that they can function on a “set it and forget it” basis persists, with some assuming that routine software updates and remote diagnostics are sufficient for smooth operation. Unfortunately, this mindset often leads to premature degradation, expensive equipment failures, and unnecessary downtime.

### Understanding the Shift Toward BESS Adoption

This misconception partly arises from the way BESS has entered the market. Many developers and asset owners approached BESS with expectations drawn from utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, where remote monitoring and scheduled annual maintenance are generally adequate. Although these systems share similarities—supporting renewable integration, relying on power electronics, and being marketed as low-maintenance solutions—the operational demands of BESS facilities are fundamentally different. Treating them as interchangeable has fostered a false sense of simplicity.

Moreover, some original equipment manufacturers and integrators have bundled BESS services with O&M practices borrowed from PV systems to keep total ownership costs low. While this strategy may enhance bid competitiveness, it overlooks the nuanced and labor-intensive nature of battery storage operations. It’s crucial to understand that BESS is not merely a collection of batteries; it is a fully operational energy facility with its own risk profile, infrastructure needs, and maintenance complexities.

To manage these assets effectively, the industry must change its perspective. BESS facilities require a proactive, hands-on O&M approach grounded in real-world operational insights. Successful energy storage is determined not solely by technology but also by the quality of care provided.

### Addressing Common Misconceptions About BESS Operations

As the industry seeks to understand the real demands of BESS, it is vital to dispel two prevalent misconceptions shaping how these systems are managed.

**Myth #1: BESS Facilities Can Operate Without On-Site Staff**

At first glance, it may appear that BESS operations can be handled remotely. After all, battery systems can be charged and discharged through energy trading platforms, scheduling software, or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. However, digital tools, while useful for remote control, cannot replace the value of having a physical presence on-site. Daily operations at utility-scale BESS sites involve much more than simply dispatching commands. Routine maintenance, compliance inspections, environmental checks, and addressing unexpected equipment anomalies all necessitate immediate, hands-on attention.

Additionally, lithium-ion battery systems carry inherent safety risks that must be actively managed. Issues such as thermal events, battery degradation, and system malfunctions can escalate quickly without trained personnel on-site to intervene. A full-time presence is not just advantageous—it is essential for ensuring safety and performance, and this standard must be established across the industry.

**Myth #2: Any Technician or Firm Can Manage BESS Operations**

Another widespread belief is that BESS O&M is a commoditized service that can be handled interchangeably by various contractors or technicians. This underestimates the complexity of battery energy storage and the necessity for site-specific expertise. Unlike solar or wind facilities, which often operate in more predictable environments, BESS facilities are enclosed and densely packed with sensitive equipment. This unique setup creates challenges that even experienced technicians may overlook without consistent familiarity with the site.

Dedicated operators develop an intimate understanding of the equipment, behaviors, and baseline performance specific to their site. This familiarity enables them to detect even subtle anomalies—like shifts in the hum of a transformer or temperature fluctuations—that may not trigger alarms but could indicate underlying issues. Consistency improves response times and fosters a sense of ownership and accountability that is hard to achieve with a rotating support model.

### The Benefits of Dedicated O&M Teams

Staffing a BESS site with trained, full-time personnel leads to measurable advantages. Beyond standard operations, dedicated teams bring experience, observational skills, and a higher standard of care that enhances asset performance. For instance, at a facility managed by IHI Power Services Corp (IPSC), dedicated site operators identified three failing bushings over two years before they caused critical equipment failures. These interventions were not prompted by automated alerts but rather by hands-on inspections and real-time judgment. Such early actions saved hundreds of thousands in equipment replacement costs and prevented extended downtime.

These operators often spot signs of wear in inverters or battery modules well before failures occur. Their proactive insights not only protect assets but also ensure system availability, safeguard revenue, and create a safer work environment.

### Prioritizing Safety in BESS Operations

Safety must be integrated into every aspect of BESS operations. Unlike solar or wind facilities that follow natural cycles, BESS operates continuously, 24/7. This constant functionality necessitates managing battery storage systems with the same diligence and responsiveness as traditional power plants. On-site operators are crucial for emergency response, whether dealing with battery malfunctions, electrical fires, or system failures. Having trained personnel on-site enables swift, informed actions that protect the facility, staff, and surrounding communities.

A mature safety program should encompass detailed incident response protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), ongoing staff training, and regular emergency drills. Additionally, establishing strong relationships with local fire departments and emergency services can improve coordination during critical moments and ensure a mutual understanding of the site’s layout, risks, and safety procedures. Ultimately, fostering a culture of awareness, accountability, and readiness is essential for the long-term viability of the asset.

### Advancing BESS Through O&M Excellence

The potential of BESS is clear. As renewable energy adoption accelerates, battery storage will play an increasingly vital role in balancing supply and demand, supporting grid stability, and enabling decarbonization goals. However, realizing this potential depends on how the industry manages these assets—not just from a technological standpoint but from an operational perspective.

It’s time for the industry to shift its mindset. BESS is not merely an energy innovation; it is a complex infrastructure investment requiring expertise, dedication, and ongoing attention. Owners and developers who recognize this early and invest in appropriate O&M strategies will be best positioned to maximize performance, protect their assets, and lead the next generation of energy innovation. With the right approach, BESS will not only store power—it will empower progress.

### About the Author

Jeremy Williams is the Senior Commercial Manager at IHI Power Services Corp., where he oversees business operations, develops comprehensive operational plans, and constructs proposals aligned with client needs. With over a decade of operational leadership experience, he focuses on battery energy storage systems (BESS), biomass, and other renewable energy technologies. Previously, as Regional Manager, he successfully managed the startup and ongoing O&M of a BESS portfolio representing over 575MW and 1,750MWh.