How Battery Energy Storage Systems Improve Sustainability

Where would we be without energy? It powers everything we do, from industrial operations to emerging technologies like AI. But with global energy consumption at an all-time high, sustainability concerns are mounting. As industries push the boundaries of innovation, reliance on non-renewable energy sources continues to grow—posing a challenge for long-term energy security and environmental impact.

One solution gaining traction is Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Designed to store and distribute electricity efficiently, BESS plays a crucial role in stabilising power grids, integrating renewable energy, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. By capturing excess energy during low-demand periods and discharging it when needed, these systems ensure a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.

However, to function effectively, BESS requires seamless communication and robust networking capabilities. This is where MOXA’s industrial automation technology comes in, providing the critical connectivity needed to optimise performance and reliability. Additionally, specialised substation solutions and industrial computing systems enhance grid integration, making energy storage more efficient and scalable.

So, how exactly does BESS work? How do MOXA’s solutions contribute to their efficiency? And what does this mean for the future of industrial sustainability? In this article, we’ll explore the role of BESS in modern energy infrastructure and why it’s becoming an essential component in the transition to a greener future.

What is Battery Energy Storage?

As industries transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming a crucial part of modern power infrastructure. At their core, BESS are designed to capture excess electricity—whether from renewable sources or the grid—store it, and release it when demand peaks or generation drops. This ability to balance energy supply and demand enhances grid stability, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and improves overall energy efficiency.

Energy storage technology has advanced significantly, with different battery chemistries offering varying levels of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and longevity. The three primary types of batteries used in BESS today include:

• Lead-acid: One of the oldest rechargeable battery technologies, lead-acid batteries are reliable but have low energy density. They are still found in some legacy systems but are increasingly being replaced by more advanced alternatives.
• Lithium-ion: The leading choice for modern BESS, lithium-ion batteries offer high efficiency, a long lifespan, and minimal maintenance requirements. Their widespread adoption is driven by their ability to support large-scale energy storage projects.
• Sodium-ion: A newer alternative with lower material costs due to the abundance of sodium carbonate. While sodium-ion batteries provide a more sustainable option, they currently have a lower energy density compared to lithium-ion technology.

BESS installations are categorised based on their placement within the power grid:

• Front of the Meter (FTM): Large-scale energy storage systems installed on the utility side of the electric meter. These systems are directly connected to the power grid and play a vital role in stabilising electricity distribution.
• Behind the Meter (BTM): Smaller-scale storage systems installed on the customer side of the meter, commonly used in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. BTM systems help reduce energy costs and improve energy resilience.

With the growing adoption of renewable energy, BESS is proving essential in mitigating intermittency issues, ensuring energy is available when it is needed most. But how did battery energy storage evolve to become the backbone of industrial sustainability? In the next section, we’ll explore its development from early innovations to today’s large-scale implementations.

The Evolution of BESS Technology

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have come a long way since the earliest forms of electrical energy storage. From the first rechargeable battery in the 19th century to today’s large-scale, grid-integrated systems, the evolution of BESS has been driven by the growing need for efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

While energy storage was initially developed for portable applications, advancements in battery technology have paved the way for large-scale storage, enabling the integration of renewable energy into power grids. Here’s a look at the key milestones that have shaped modern BESS technology:

Early Developments

• 1800s – Voltaic Pile: Alessandro Volta invents the voltaic pile, the first true battery, laying the foundation for future energy storage technologies.
• 1859 – The First Rechargeable Battery: French physicist Gaston Planté develops the lead-acid battery, the first rechargeable battery, which remains in use today for certain energy storage applications.

Modern Advancements

• 1980s-1990s – The Rise of Lithium-ion: Research into lithium-ion technology gains momentum, with Sony commercialising the first lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery in 1991. The improved energy density and efficiency of Li-ion batteries revolutionise portable electronics and, later, energy storage systems.
• 2000s – The Shift to Renewable Energy: As solar and wind power adoption increases, the need for efficient energy storage solutions grows. BESS development accelerates to address the intermittency of renewable energy sources.
• 2010s – Large-scale BESS Projects: Energy storage takes a significant leap forward with large-scale projects like Tesla’s Powerwall and the Hornsdale Power Reserve in Australia, which help stabilise grids by storing surplus renewable energy.
• 2024 – The Edwards & Sanborn Project: One of the world’s largest BESS installations goes live in California, with 875MWdc of solar PV and a staggering 3,287MWh of battery storage capacity. This milestone highlights the increasing role of large-scale energy storage in modern power grids.

As battery technology continues to evolve, the role of BESS in industrial and grid applications is only set to grow. But why are these systems so critical in today’s energy landscape? In the next section, we’ll explore their importance in ensuring grid stability, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Why Are BESS Important?

As global energy demand continues to rise, the need for efficient, reliable, and sustainable power solutions has never been greater. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the energy landscape by addressing key challenges associated with renewable energy, grid stability, and energy efficiency.

By enabling better energy management and improving the reliability of power grids, BESS is not only advancing industrial sustainability but also supporting long-term carbon reduction targets. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Enabling Renewable Energy Integration – Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are naturally intermittent, meaning power generation fluctuates depending on environmental conditions. BESS captures surplus energy during peak generation periods and stores it for later use, ensuring a steady and reliable power supply. This capability is essential for maximising the efficiency of renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
2. Enhancing Grid Stability – Maintaining a stable power grid requires careful management of frequency and voltage levels. BESS provides frequency regulation by rapidly absorbing or discharging power to keep grid frequency within its operational range. It also offers voltage support, helping to maintain optimal voltage levels across the network. These functions prevent blackouts, protect electrical equipment, and improve overall grid resilience.
3. Improving Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings – BESS facilitates load shifting by storing electricity when demand is low and releasing it when demand is high. This reduces strain on the grid during peak periods and allows businesses to take advantage of lower energy costs. By optimising energy usage, industrial facilities and commercial buildings can significantly reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint.
4. Providing Backup Power for Critical Infrastructure – Uninterrupted power is essential for critical infrastructure, including hospitals, data centres, and emergency services. In the event of a grid failure or power outage, BESS provides an instant backup supply, ensuring continuous operations and preventing costly disruptions. In regions prone to extreme weather or natural disasters, BESS offers a vital layer of energy security.
5. Supporting the UK’s Net Zero Goal – The UK has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and BESS will be instrumental in meeting this target. By enabling greater adoption of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered plants, BESS is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

With such a wide range of benefits, it’s clear that BESS is not just an emerging technology—it’s a fundamental component of modern energy infrastructure. But how exactly does BESS enhance grid stability and reliability? In the next section, we’ll explore the technical mechanisms that make energy storage a game-changer for power networks.

Enhancing Grid Stability and Reliability

Maintaining a stable and reliable electricity grid is essential for preventing disruptions, protecting infrastructure, and ensuring the efficient distribution of power. As energy demand fluctuates and renewable sources introduce variability, the challenge of grid stability grows. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) help address these challenges by responding instantly to shifts in supply and demand, regulating frequency and voltage, and acting as a safeguard against power outages.

One of the primary functions of BESS is frequency regulation. When electricity generation exceeds demand, excess energy is stored rather than wasted. Conversely, during periods of high demand, stored power is discharged back into the grid. This process keeps frequency fluctuations within safe operational limits, reducing the risk of blackouts and ensuring a more stable electricity supply.

Maintaining Voltage Stability for Reliable Power

In addition to managing frequency, BESS plays a crucial role in maintaining voltage stability. Voltage fluctuations can cause equipment failures, inefficiencies, and power surges that affect industrial, commercial, and residential consumers. By dynamically adjusting power output, energy storage systems help regulate voltage levels, improving power quality and protecting sensitive electrical equipment.

Beyond regulating supply, BESS also acts as a critical backup power source in the event of unexpected outages. Power failures can have severe consequences for industries that depend on continuous electricity, such as healthcare, data centres, and emergency services. By switching seamlessly between stored energy and grid power, BESS minimises downtime, ensuring essential services remain operational.

Enhancing Resilience Against Power Disruptions

As extreme weather events become more frequent, the resilience of power infrastructure is increasingly under strain. Severe storms, heatwaves, and natural disasters can damage transmission lines and disrupt energy distribution. BESS strengthens grid resilience by storing energy in advance, providing a reliable power source when external conditions impact electricity generation. This is particularly beneficial for remote regions where grid stability is more vulnerable.

With the ability to regulate frequency, stabilise voltage, prevent blackouts, and enhance resilience against extreme weather, BESS is a vital component of modern energy management. However, beyond improving grid stability, these systems also contribute to greater energy efficiency and cost savings. In the next section, we explore how BESS enhances energy management and supports a more sustainable power infrastructure.

Energy Management and Efficiency

As energy demand fluctuates throughout the day, businesses and utilities are searching for smarter ways to optimise consumption and reduce costs. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are proving to be a key enabler of efficiency by strategically managing energy usage, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lowering electricity costs. By intelligently storing and distributing power, BESS ensures that energy is used more effectively across industrial, commercial, and residential applications.

Optimising Energy Use with Load Shifting

One of the primary benefits of BESS is its ability to shift electricity consumption away from peak hours. Demand typically rises during business operations and evening periods, placing strain on the grid and driving up costs. By storing energy when demand and prices are lower and discharging it when usage spikes, BESS helps balance supply more efficiently. This reduces congestion on the grid, alleviates pressure on generation infrastructure, and leads to more predictable electricity pricing.

For businesses, this ability to control when energy is drawn from the grid translates into substantial cost savings. Industrial facilities, in particular, benefit from avoiding high peak-time tariffs and optimising power consumption. On a larger scale, utilities operating BESS systems can reduce their dependence on expensive fossil fuel-based peaking plants, decreasing operational costs and lowering overall energy expenses in the long term.

Reducing Costs and Strengthening Grid Reliability

Beyond financial savings, BESS enhances demand response capabilities, allowing energy providers to react more effectively to supply fluctuations. During periods of high demand, stored power can be injected into the grid to prevent disruptions and stabilise energy distribution. By maintaining reliability and reducing dependency on traditional power generation, these systems contribute to a more resilient and efficient electricity network.

By improving energy management through strategic storage, cost optimisation, and enhanced grid response, BESS is transforming how power is utilised. However, its impact extends beyond efficiency gains. These systems also play a crucial role in accelerating the transition to renewable energy, ensuring that clean power sources can be integrated more effectively into the grid. In the next section, we’ll explore how BESS supports renewable energy adoption and contributes to long-term environmental sustainability.

Renewable Energy Integration and Environmental Benefits

The transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future depends on the effective integration of renewable energy sources into power grids. While solar and wind power offer significant environmental advantages, their inherent intermittency presents challenges for maintaining a stable electricity supply. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) provide the flexibility needed to overcome these challenges, making renewables more reliable and scalable.

Overcoming Intermittency Challenges

• Solar and wind energy are naturally variable—solar panels generate electricity only during daylight hours, while wind turbines rely on shifting wind patterns.
• BESS captures surplus energy when production is high and stores it for later use, ensuring a stable and continuous power supply.
• By reducing reliance on fossil-fuel backup generators, BESS makes renewable energy more dependable and cost-effective.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

BESS plays a vital role in lowering carbon emissions by making renewable energy more viable. As more industries and power providers implement storage solutions, the need for coal and gas-fired power plants decreases. This shift contributes to cleaner air, a reduced environmental impact, and significant progress toward global carbon neutrality targets.

Scalability for a Global Energy Transition

One of the greatest advantages of BESS is its scalability. Energy storage solutions can be adapted for:

Large-scale projects such as the Edwards & Sanborn Project in California highlight how BESS is facilitating the shift to renewable energy at a national level. As energy storage technology continues to evolve, its role in the global energy transition will only grow stronger.

By bridging the gap between renewable generation and energy demand, BESS is shaping the future of sustainable energy. However, as energy storage systems become more integral to grid infrastructure, ensuring their reliability and security is paramount. In the next section, we’ll explore how industry standards, such as IEC 61850, enhance the safety, efficiency, and interoperability of BESS.

The Role of IEC 61850 in BESS

As Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) become increasingly integrated into power grids, ensuring seamless communication, reliability, and security is crucial. The IEC 61850 standard plays a key role in addressing these challenges. Originally developed for substation automation, it provides a structured framework that allows BESS to interact efficiently with other grid components, improving system performance, safety, and cybersecurity.

One of the primary obstacles in integrating BESS with existing grid infrastructure is the lack of standardised communication between different devices and systems. IEC 61850 establishes a universal protocol that enables smooth data exchange between BESS, substations, and grid management systems. By ensuring interoperability, it simplifies deployment, reduces integration costs, and enhances overall system efficiency.

Beyond interoperability, IEC 61850 supports real-time monitoring, allowing operators to track key parameters such as battery health, state of charge, and overall system performance. Instant access to this data helps energy providers optimise energy dispatch, schedule proactive maintenance, and detect faults before they impact operations. This results in improved system reliability and extended battery lifespan.

As energy infrastructure becomes increasingly digitalised, the risk of cyber threats grows. IEC 61850 incorporates built-in security features, such as encrypted communication and authentication protocols, to protect against unauthorised access and data breaches. These measures help safeguard critical power assets from cyberattacks, ensuring that BESS operates securely and reliably within the energy network.

By enhancing communication, monitoring, and security, IEC 61850 is a crucial enabler of efficient BESS operation. However, seamless integration also relies on robust networking solutions. In the next section, we’ll explore how MOXA’s industrial networking technology supports the efficiency and security of BESS.

MOXA Solutions for BESS

Ensuring that Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) operate reliably requires robust networking, monitoring, and control solutions. MOXA, a leader in industrial networking and automation, provides essential technologies that enhance the efficiency, security, and interoperability of BESS. From real-time battery management to seamless grid integration, MOXA’s solutions support every aspect of energy storage deployment.

Key MOXA Technologies for BESS

• Industrial Networking: Reliable Ethernet switches, secure routers, and NAT devices for seamless communication.
• Battery Management System (BMS): Real-time monitoring of battery health, temperature, and state of charge.
• Energy Management System (EMS): Intelligent control of charging and discharging processes.
• Power Conversion System (PCS): Secure and stable conversion between AC and DC power.
• Protocol Gateways: Interoperability solutions for smooth data exchange between BESS and grid infrastructure.

Industrial Networking for Seamless Connectivity

BESS relies on a network of interconnected components, including battery modules, power conversion systems, and grid infrastructure. MOXA’s range of industrial networking devices—such as managed Ethernet switches, secure routers, and Network Address Translation (NAT) devices—ensures reliable communication between these elements. By providing robust, high-speed data transmission, MOXA enables smooth system operation and remote monitoring.

Battery and Energy Management

Enhancing Power Conversion and Interoperability

A BESS must convert energy between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) to interface with the grid and connected loads. The Power Conversion System (PCS) handles this conversion, ensuring energy is transferred smoothly and with minimal losses. MOXA’s industrial automation solutions support PCS integration, providing stable and secure communication between components.

To enable interoperability between BESS and grid infrastructure, protocol translation is essential. MOXA’s protocol gateways facilitate communication between different industrial protocols, ensuring seamless data exchange between BESS, substations, and control centres. This simplifies deployment and enhances overall system efficiency.

By providing industrial-grade networking, monitoring, and control solutions, MOXA plays a key role in enhancing BESS performance and reliability. However, as BESS adoption grows, cybersecurity and system resilience become even more critical. In the next section, we’ll explore MOXA’s approach to securing energy storage systems against cyber threats and operational risks.

MOXA’s BESS Product Portfolio

To ensure reliable and efficient operation, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) require robust computing, networking, and monitoring solutions. MOXA offers a comprehensive product portfolio designed to optimise BESS performance, from real-time battery management to secure industrial networking. These solutions enable seamless integration with grid infrastructure while ensuring long-term system reliability.

System-Level Battery Management

At the heart of any BESS is its Battery Management System (BMS), which monitors the health, state of charge, and overall performance of the battery modules. MOXA’s Arm-based UC family of industrial computers provides a powerful and energy-efficient platform for system-level battery management, ensuring real-time monitoring and control.

Environmental Monitoring and Data Acquisition

Maintaining optimal operating conditions is critical for maximising the lifespan and efficiency of BESS. MOXA’s environmental monitoring solutions include:

• Rugged Serial Device Servers (NPort S9450I) – Facilitates seamless connectivity for remote monitoring and data logging in substation and energy storage environments.
• Protocol Gateways (MGate 5119) – Ensures interoperability between different communication protocols, including DNP3, IEC 61850, and Modbus, for seamless BESS and grid integration.
• Managed Ethernet Switches (PT-G503-PHR-PTP) – Provides high-speed, IEC 61850-3-compliant networking to support reliable data acquisition and substation automation.

Energy Management and Control

To optimise power flow and energy distribution, MOXA’s x86-based DRP/BXP family of industrial computers provides a reliable computing platform for Energy Management Systems (EMS). These systems make real-time decisions on charging and discharging cycles, ensuring optimal energy use and grid stability.

Secure Networking Solutions

As BESS becomes a key component of the energy grid, secure and resilient networking is essential. MOXA’s industrial networking solutions ensure high-speed, reliable, and secure communication between all BESS components:

• Industrial Ethernet Switches (EDS/RKS family) – Provides stable, high-speed data transmission between BESS components and control centres.
• Secure Routers (EDR family) – Protects BESS networks with advanced cybersecurity features, ensuring data integrity and secure remote access.
• Industrial NAT Devices – Enables network segmentation and secure external connectivity for BESS infrastructure.

IEC 61850-Compliant Devices

For seamless integration with smart grids and substation automation systems, MOXA offers IEC 61850-compliant solutions:

• MGate 5119 Series Substation Gateways – Provides protocol conversion and secure communication between BESS, substations, and grid control systems.
• DA-680 Rack-Mount Substation Computer – An industrial-grade computing platform designed for mission-critical energy applications.

With a strong focus on industrial networking, environmental monitoring, and grid integration, MOXA’s solutions ensure that BESS operates with maximum efficiency, security, and reliability. But as BESS adoption expands, ensuring long-term stability and performance becomes increasingly important. In the next section, we’ll explore the future of BESS technology and its role in driving industrial sustainability.

The Future of BESS and Industrial Sustainability

The shift towards cleaner energy is gathering momentum, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming an increasingly vital part of the transition. As governments and industries invest in sustainable solutions, energy storage is emerging as a key enabler of grid resilience and industrial efficiency. Large-scale projects are expanding worldwide, with significant funding directed towards integrating BESS into national energy infrastructures. As renewable sources like wind and solar continue to grow, scalable storage solutions will be essential for balancing supply and demand.

Technological advancements are also shaping the future of energy storage. Research in battery chemistry and materials science is driving the development of more efficient and cost-effective storage solutions. Emerging technologies, such as solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, promise higher energy density, longer lifespan, and reduced environmental impact. As these innovations progress, BESS will become even more efficient, further cementing its role in industrial sustainability.

However, the effectiveness of BESS depends not only on battery technology but also on the infrastructure that supports it. Reliable networking and automation systems are essential to ensure seamless grid integration and secure energy management. Companies like MOXA continue to lead in this space, providing industrial networking solutions that enhance system security, scalability, and efficiency. With technologies such as protocol gateways, industrial Ethernet switches, and IEC 61850-compliant devices, MOXA is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of smart, connected energy storage.

As investment in BESS grows and technology continues to evolve, energy storage is no longer an emerging innovation—it has become a cornerstone of modern energy infrastructure. By improving grid stability, enabling greater adoption of renewables, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, BESS is paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

About Impulse Embedded

Impulse Embedded is a leading UK-based provider of industrial computing solutions, delivering robust and reliable technology tailored to the evolving needs of modern industries. With a strong focus on innovation and technical expertise, Impulse Embedded supports businesses in integrating advanced computing and networking solutions into their operations.

Decades of Industry Expertise

With over 30 years of experience in industrial technology, Impulse Embedded has built a reputation for delivering high-performance embedded computing, industrial networking, and automation solutions. By working closely with global technology partners, the company ensures that its customers have access to cutting-edge, future-proof solutions designed for demanding industrial applications.

Serving a Wide Range of Industries

Impulse Embedded provides specialised solutions for a variety of sectors, including:

• Energy: Supporting the transition to sustainable power with industrial computing and networking solutions for BESS.
• Medical and Pharmaceutical: Enabling precision computing and automation in critical healthcare environments.
• Rail and Transportation: Enhancing connectivity, safety, and efficiency in railway infrastructure.
• Manufacturing and Automation: Driving Industry 4.0 initiatives with rugged industrial computers and IoT solutions.

By combining technical expertise with best-in-class industrial hardware, Impulse Embedded helps businesses optimise performance, enhance system reliability, and future-proof their operations.

For more information about Impulse Embedded and its range of industrial computing solutions, visit the official website.

Conclusion

As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are proving to be a key enabler of industrial sustainability. By enhancing grid reliability, facilitating the integration of renewable energy, and reducing carbon emissions, BESS is shaping the future of power infrastructure.

However, to fully realise the potential of energy storage, robust networking, monitoring, and security solutions are essential. MOXA’s industrial automation technology plays a vital role in optimising BESS performance, ensuring seamless communication between components, and safeguarding critical infrastructure against cyber threats. With MOXA’s solutions, businesses can deploy energy storage systems that are efficient, secure, and scalable.

For organisations looking to implement BESS, investing in MOXA-powered solutions provides a future-proof strategy for energy management. By leveraging industrial-grade networking, real-time monitoring, and secure data exchange, businesses can enhance operational efficiency while supporting the global shift towards cleaner energy.

To learn more about MOXA’s solutions for BESS, visit Impulse Embedded and explore how advanced industrial technology is driving the future of sustainable energy.