Large-scale energy storage is the method and apparatus used to store energy within an electrical power grid. The electrical energy is stored during the day when there is an abundance of electricity being generated, and it is discharged during peak hours when the need is greatest. Advances in technology and materials, paired with economies of scale, have led to dramatically reduced costs associated with energy storage.

BESS improve the way that we generate, deliver, and consume energy, providing many benefits:

• Stability – BESS absorb excess energy, enabling the electric grid to maintain a steady balance between electricity supply and demand and preventing it from becoming overwhelmed and damaged.
• Balance – BESS allow for energy diversification by allowing it to be consumed on demand and at a controlled rate.
• Flexibility – BESS have a rapid response time, supplying power to the grid quickly to maintain grid reliability in response to energy demand.
• Emergencies – BESS can provide backup power during disruptions to energy systems, including outages.
• Costs – BESS reduce economic losses from major and minor outages by allowing cheap energy to be stored for a later use, preventing increases that might be passed on to consumers.

BESS have individual battery cells, which are electrically connected and then packaged in a battery module. The battery modules are aggregated with controls and other equipment within racks, which are housed within enclosures, such as a cabinet, ISO shipping container, or a building.

These systems operate by converting electricity from the grid or a power generation source into stored energy. This will allow us to charge and discharge from the battery storage project when there is a demand.

Depending on the size of the project, construction typically takes 10 to 12 months.

BESS enhance grid resilience and stability, enabling the electric grid to withstand and rapidly recover from events that could disrupt electricity supply.

A BESS stimulates local economies and cut energy costs for consumers. It generates property tax revenue, which promotes economic development and can be used to support local schools and emergency services – all without the need to raise local tax rates. In addition, a BESS creates temporary and long-term employment opportunities in the community in which it is sited. The American Clean Power 2022 Annual Report found that battery storage sector employment increased, adding 2,949 jobs from 2020 to 2021.

A BESS does not generate any air emissions or odors and has fewer development impacts than other energy and industrial uses. It also occupies less land, can be screened to minimize visible impacts, generates minimal traffic, and has a lower noise profile.

A BESS has no direct emissions, requires no pipelines, recycles electricity, and helps to cut emissions by taking the load off traditional generation sources. Energy storage has been a part of our electrical grid since the 1930s and has a safety record that is similar to or better than other electricity generation, distribution, or management methods.

Recurrent develops robust emergency response plans, based on industry best practices that are customized for each facility. These emergency response plans include extensive collaboration with first responders to address emergency situations that might be encountered as well as the proper safety responses for each situation. Emergency response plans also include contact details for subject-matter experts who can advise first responders on appropriate actions for each situation.

In addition, we comply with the safety measures required by the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and applicable regional and local laws. We are also bound by the International Building Code, the International Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association codes and standards, and state fire regulations.

Safety events that result in fires or explosions are rare. The US energy storage industry has prioritized the deployment of safety measures such as emergency ventilation to reduce the buildup of flammable gases. Because ventilation can reduce the effectiveness of fire suppression, the industry is adopting the strategy of allowing fires in individual battery enclosures to burn out in a controlled manner. By preventing the propagation of fire between enclosures, the isolated fire consumes any flammable gases as they are produced, thus preventing explosions and avoiding problems with stranded energy and reignition, both of which have been issues with electric vehicle fires. The 24/7 monitoring systems of BESS containers include gas detection and monitoring to indicate potential risks. As the energy storage industry reduces risk and continues to enhance safety, industry members are working with first responders to ensure that fire safety training includes protocols that avoid explosion risk.

Prior to operation, we will develop an emergency response plan in accordance with industry best practices, which will outline the response procedures to be employed should an emergency arise at the project site. We will work closely and collaborate with the local departments and authorities when developing the emergency action plan and setting up fire road access.

We provide pre-construction training to all emergency response personnel, which includes a description of the project, any potential construction risks, and the role of emergency responders should an incident occur. After construction is complete, we will host the emergency response personnel for a site visit to make sure they are familiar with the system and our Emergency Action Plan.

BESS are currently deployed and operational in a wide variety of environments and settings across the United States, from the freezing temperatures of Alaska to the deserts of Arizona. These systems are designed with associated heating and cooling systems to ensure optimal battery operations and life based on the environmental conditions at the installation location. BESS are built to withstand disruptive weather events and can also help increase grid resiliency to extreme weather events, prevent power outages, and provide back-up power.

During normal operation, BESS do not release pollutants into the air or waterways. BESS are equipped with spill containment should an event occur, and we work closely with first responders to ensure they are well versed in the proper emergency response procedures.

Like batteries used in handheld devices, lithium-ion and other types of batteries do not give off electromagnetic radiation. These batteries store electrical energy in chemical form, which can be converted back into electrical energy and discharged back to the grid.

The batteries themselves do not make any noise. Unlike other power infrastructure or generation facilities, BESS have very low noise profiles, with fans, HVAC systems, and transformers producing sounds at similar levels to standard commercial buildings.

BESS can be housed in a variety of enclosures or buildings. The typical enclosure looks like a shipping container. BESS are often unmanned and do not need light to function. Some may have lighting for security purposes, and this would be consistent with normal streetlighting.

BESS can last for 20 years or more. Battery degradation is based on various factors such as chemical composition, the number of charge and discharge cycles, and the temperature of the environment that the batteries are exposed to.

The US lithium-ion battery recycling industry is growing rapidly to accommodate batteries from both electric vehicles and BESS. Companies are moving beyond simple recovery of raw materials and into direct recycling of electrode materials that can be built sustainably and cost-effectively into new batteries. BESS provide the opportunity to repurpose batteries from end-of-life electric vehicles, extracting maximum usage for the benefit of consumers.

BESS are equipped with sensors that track battery temperatures and enable storage facilities to turn off batteries if they get too hot or too cold. The battery management systems also monitor the performance of each individual cell, such as voltage and other key parameters, then aggregate that data in real time to assess the entire system’s operation, detect anomalies, and adjust the system to maintain safety.

BESS must comply with electrical and fire codes adopted at the state and local level. BESS owners must submit documentation on system certification, fire safety test results, hazard mitigation, and emergency response plans to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction for approval. Before operation, facility staff and emergency responders must be trained in safety procedures and are required to be given annual refresher training.

To learn more, refer to American Clean Power’s BESS Codes and Standards Overview. The U.S. storage industry has continuously supported the development of codes, standards, and best practices to promote safety.