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Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Technology Growth ...

Author: Janey

May. 13, 2024

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Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Technology Growth

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the predominant type used for BESS in the United States. Different Li-ion chemistries can be selected based on energy density, thermal stability, battery lifespan, and cost considerations.

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Integrating battery energy storage solutions into business operations in a safe, scalable, and financially viable manner requires stakeholders to navigate associated challenges successfully. Before adopting BESS technology, it is crucial to consider:

  • Type and sourcing of the BESS.
  • Location, planning, and design.
  • Construction, transport, rigging, installation, and commissioning.
  • Operations & Maintenance (O&M).

Additionally, three overarching industry concerns to keep in mind when selecting a BESS include:

Raw Materials

Graphite, lithium, cobalt, and nickel are essential minerals for battery production and are primarily sourced overseas. This situation can present cost, transportation, and political challenges, although incentives provided in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS Act may help alleviate some of these issues.

65% of flake graphite is mined in China, where labor and environmental conditions are typically not up to U.S. standards.
75% of lithium resources are found in Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, known as the Lithium Triangle.
65% of cobalt production occurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
50% price increase followed Indonesia's 2014 ban on nickel exports, with similar international policies often causing price volatility for this resource.

Fire and Explosion Risks

Fires can be caused by temperature, cell defects, damage during installation, operational issues, and lack of maintenance.

One unique BESS hazard is battery fire and/or explosion caused by thermal runaway, the rapid uncontrolled release of energy from a battery cell. Thermal runaway can be triggered by an internal short circuit, which may result from mechanical, thermal, or electrical damage to the battery.

Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards

Some chemicals used in battery manufacturing may be hazardous. Even with safe handling practices, accidents can expose people working or living near a BESS facility to harmful gases or pollute the surrounding soil and groundwater.

Thermal runaways require a significant amount of water to control, and potentially hazardous chemicals released during a fire can pollute the water used to extinguish it, contaminating any absorbing soil or groundwater. Fumes released can also pose risks to the public and first responders.

Effective BESS Risk Management

Managing BESS-related risk depends on planning, preparation, and having a trusted, experienced partner. With a dedicated team of energy experts and claim specialists, Travelers has been providing specialized coverage and risk control solutions to support owners and operators in the rapidly growing renewables industry for over 30 years.

Everything You Need to Know About Battery Energy

This article, developed by Bruton Knowles and John Amos & Co., explores the rapidly rising need for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and how landowners can directly benefit from this increasing demand.

Why We Need More Battery Energy Storage Systems

The rapid increase in renewable energy generation, falling prices, and advancements in battery technologies have escalated the demand for BESS.

The threat of winter blackouts, geopolitical tensions like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and national and regional net-zero targets have significantly highlighted the importance of generating and storing electricity domestically in the UK.

For more information on renewable energy resources, contact our in-house expert on BESS, Ben Owen at ben.owen@brutonknowles.co.uk or on 01568 610007.

What is a BESS?

BESS technologies have seen substantial growth over the past few years at both domestic and field-scale levels. The capacity of the National Grid network has quickly been occupied with energy generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar.

It is important to capture and store the electricity produced when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing to meet the increasing energy demands of consumers. The purpose of BESS is precisely this—to store electricity when demand is low but production is high and supply this electricity to homes and businesses during peak demand instantly.

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Currently, BESS consists of Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) technologies, similar to those found in cars and mobile phones. Li-Ion batteries are well-suited due to their reduced cost (down 91% since 1991), power density, safety, and ability to charge and recharge without significant defects.

BESS sites consist of hundreds of these batteries stored in container-like storage units, with 2 megawatts (MW) representing one unit. Projects can range from 10MW to 200 MW. Units are neatly arranged and spaced to account for access and limit fire risk.

What Makes a Good Site for a BESS?

The Best Site for a BESS Project

  • At least 2 acres of land—the condensed nature of containers means that large BESS projects do not require vast amounts of land.
  • Good proximity to grid connection—developers look for sites within 2 miles of a primary substation or land with high voltage power lines. The further the grid connection, the more expensive the project becomes.
  • Flat land—while containers can be stacked according to topography, it presents a more challenging prospect.
  • Naturally screened—sites that are publicly secluded have a greater chance of obtaining planning permission.
  • Good access—sites with good access for construction vehicles are preferred.

Unsuitable Land for a BESS Project

  • Land at risk of flooding—any land with a history of flooding will be considered an unviable project.
  • Land in environmentally sensitive areas—sites in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or greenbelt land are not viewed favorably due to their detrimental effect on the landscape.
  • Grade 1 & 2 land—projects located on the best and most versatile (BMV) land are not viewed favorably due to the loss of farming.

It is worth mentioning that developers work on a case-by-case basis, and should a site be subject to one or two of these constraints, it may still be a worthwhile inquiry.

Benefits to Landowners

The UK's increasing reliance on BESS technologies necessitates that energy developers work with rural landowners and agents to locate, construct, and maintain these systems.

Landowners can expect several benefits:

  • Long-term and substantial revenue for a relatively small area of land, with lease periods typically lasting 30-40 years. Rents are based on a £/ MW/annum basis, often with quarterly payments that are CPI or index-linked.
  • The developer incurs all costs and risks, from grid and planning applications to installation and maintenance of equipment. Reasonable third-party costs are also covered by the developer.
  • Developers ensure adjoining land is enhanced to help biodiversity, with screening to minimize visual impact.
  • BESS provides an excellent way of diversifying land management businesses not linked to agriculture.

The Application Process

The process between first engagement with a landowner and the commencement of construction can vary widely based on various external factors. A traditional application process and project timeline are outlined below:

  1. Feasibility reviews—developers initially assess the site's prospects based on desktop surveys of planning constraints and proximity to the grid, typically taking 1-2 weeks.
  2. Grid reviews—if a site passes this first stage, developers apply for a 'grid-review' to determine if there is capacity in the network and obtain a cost estimate, usually taking a month.
  3. Exclusivity— a successful grid review leads developers to secure the available grid capacity quickly by producing a Heads of Terms agreement outlining option and lease terms. Once an exclusivity agreement is signed with the landowner, developers apply to the grid to secure capacity, taking about three months before receiving feedback.
  4. Option agreement—after hearing back from the grid, developers and landowners enter into an option agreement, and the developer begins their planning process. Timing varies based on grid availability and the planning decision.
  5. Lease agreement—once planning is obtained, developers enter into a lease agreement with the landowner, and construction begins. The final connection of a BESS will depend on construction time and grid constraints.

Useful Links

  • Visit the Bruton Knowles homepage.
  • Read the latest news from across the business.
  • Get in touch with any queries you may have.

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