The UK is one of the leading and fastest-growing countries to adopt energy storage technologies. With over 8 GW of energy projects in the last few years, the UK is one of the most attractive markets for commercial battery storage units. In 2020, the UK relaxed the rules and adopted new legislation for energy storage to encourage their use in commercial activities and businesses. It is estimated that £40 billion can be saved by 2050 through these energy storage solutions that will ultimately benefit different businesses.
By the end of 2022, the UK added 833 MW of battery storage projects, taking the total installed capacity to 2.6 GW. It is expected that by 2040, a cumulative capacity of 18 GW will be reached for battery storage. A minimum CAGR of 5% is expected for the battery storage market in the UK. As the share of renewables in the UK energy mix reached 36% by the end of 2022, the demand and adoption rate for energy storage units are expected to increase rapidly in the coming years.
Some of the major factors driving the demand for energy storage units in the UK are:
- A decrease in battery storage costs due to the development and emergence of new technologies.
- High electricity and gas prices.
- An increase in the share of renewable energy in the UK energy market.
- Energy security and incentives offered by the government.
Short Summary
- Battery storage systems are used to store energy that can be consumed later and are most suitable for businesses with high electricity demands. The batteries can also be charged during off-peak hours. These energy storage systems provide energy security and cost savings to businesses.
- Over the years, battery storage technologies such as Li-ion batteries have seen massive improvements in terms of efficiency, cost, safety, and life cycle.
- Businesses that want to install battery storage systems should contact eCactus Solar UK for commercial All-In-One Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with capacities of 100 kW / 233 kWh (also scalable in parallel to 1.5 MWh and then doubled to 3 MWh).
The Need for Commercial Battery Storage
Commercial battery storage offers flexibility and adaptability to the changing energy market. These storage systems can be scaled, upgraded and optimised for energy requirements and integrated with existing and emerging technologies, making businesses competitive in the modern energy sector.
The world is moving towards renewable energy, which has its own set of challenges. The intermittent nature of renewables and high energy demand can disrupt the electric supply. Commercial battery storage units act as a buffer and store excess electricity from renewables. These storage units ensure a constant supply of electricity irrespective of weather conditions.
The UK government set an ambitious target to be carbon-free by 2035, meaning more reliance on renewables. The National Grid manages the energy demands for peak and off-peak hours, and with the increase in population, it is becoming increasingly challenging to manage peak hours and keep carbon emissions to a minimum, along with meeting energy demands. Commercial battery storage is seen as the most probable solution to decrease our reliance on hydrocarbons and meet the target of zero carbon emissions.
Benefits of Commercial Battery Storage
1. Grid Integration and Stabilisation
Load management for the national grid becomes more complicated as more renewables are added to the energy mix. With commercial battery storage, we will have less dependency on the grid. Usually, the grid is connected to the battery storage units, communicating when to use power from batteries, thus increasing the grid stability.
2. Reduction in Carbon Emissions
The clean energy produced by renewables installed at commercial centres can be used, and extra electricity will be stored in battery storage units. This way, businesses can contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
3. Load Shifting
Through load shifting and management, batteries can be charged at off-peak hours. This energy can be used during peak hours to save the high cost of electricity and ensure the availability of electricity at the lowest possible rate.
4. Cost Saving
Commercial battery storage saves money in the long run for businesses. Using battery storage, any business can avoid high electricity prices at peak hours. Batteries can be charged at off-peak hours to save business costs. The government is also offering initiatives to lessen the load during peak hours, and businesses which are using commercial battery storage may be eligible for tax rebates and discounts on other taxes.
5. Emergency Backup
Electricity blackouts and unexpected power outages can disturb your business routine. With battery storage, backup will be readily available in such a scenario.
Is Commercial Battery Storage Right for Your Business? Key Considerations and Challenges
- Commercial battery storage requires a high initial investment, but these batteries boost long-term efficiency and cost savings.
- Commercial battery storage needs occasional maintenance and regular monitoring.
- The scalability of commercial battery storage can be challenging. Battery storage systems should be designed and planned in a way to meet the evolving needs of your business.
- As with every asset purchase, look ahead at general risks and opportunities, as well as the business cycle. Is now the time to spend time and money, even though the financials will work out over 5-15 years?
Incentives Offered by the UK Government for Commercial Battery Storage
The government is offering different incentives for businesses that are adopting battery storage systems and improving the energy efficiency of their setup. Local councils are offering funding to businesses to incorporate commercial battery storage. To stay up to date, you need to check council and government websites. Those who are generating their electricity through renewables can sell it back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
About eCactus Tianwu Commercial Batteries
eCactus is a global Energy Storage System brand. We believe in powering your business with smart, reliable, and safe commercial energy storage systems. You can master your business energy consumption and optimise it in real time using our PANGU OS energy management system.
Our Tianwu All-In-One commercial and industrial battery storage (shown above) units provide 100 kW in power and 233 kWh of storage. Up to six units can be put in parallel to create a BESS of around 1.5 MWh. Two sets of 6 work well at the same location, giving you 3 MWh of storage at one location.
We can also assist in supplying containerised solutions such as the CATL EnerC to the UK market. These are 3.7 MWh in storage size and have many features similar to our market-leading Tianwu AIO. The cells are also liquid-cooled for maximum efficiency and lifespan. They are integrated and come kitted out with a battery rack system, battery management system (BMS), fire suppression system (FSS), thermal management system (TMS) and an auxiliary distribution system.
Contact us for information about our larger-scale commercial, industrial, and utility-size containerised solutions.
Help Your Business with eCactus
Our commercial battery storage systems are designed to meet your business energy requirements and needs. Choose eCactus for unparalleled performance and support. Our team of experts are ready to provide personalised recommendations for your business and help you take the next step for your energy storage.
Our team of energy professionals is available to answer any questions you may have. We’re dedicated to ensuring that you have the right information and resources to make informed decisions about customer energy storage needs.
