What is a battery energy storage system?

A battery energy storage system (BESS) is an electrochemical device that charges (or collects energy) from the grid or a power plant and then discharges that energy at a later time to provide electricity or other grid services when needed.

How many MW is battery energy storage?

In 2010, only 4 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale battery energy storage was added in the United States. In July 2024, more than 20.7 GW of battery energy storage capacity was available in the United States. Battery energy storage systems provide electricity to the power grid and offer a range of services to support electric power grids.

What is a battery storage power plant?

Battery storage power plants and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are comparable in technology and function. However, battery storage power plants are larger. For safety and security, the actual batteries are housed in their own structures, like warehouses or containers.

Where is battery energy storage typically located?

This article focuses on battery energy storage located within electric distribution systems. Battery energy storage is typically located within the lower-voltage network of power lines that supplies energy to commercial, industrial, and residential customers, usually found in urban and suburban centers.

What are energy storage systems?

Energy storage systems are not primary electricity sources, meaning the technology does not create electricity from a fuel or natural resource. Instead, they store electricity that has already been created from an electricity generator or the electric power grid, which makes energy storage systems secondary sources of electricity.

Why would I need a battery energy storage system?

Installing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) can help delay or defer expensive system upgrades in some cases, preventing costly outages. During the natural life of an electrical distribution system, some circuits may reach their limits and require upgrades.