Battery storage as the key for companies in the energy transition
Author:in: Julie Vandegaar
Reading Time: 6 min
Table of contents
The role of battery storage in the energy transition
The energy transition is progressing: the share of renewable energies in Germany’s electricity supply is growing continuously, and climate protection requires this trend to be accelerated. According to the Federal Statistical Office, around 61.5% of the electricity generated in Germany in the first half of 2024 came from wind, solar, hydropower and biomass. This means that over nine percent more climate-friendly electricity was generated than in the first half of 2023 – more than ever before in a first half of the year (Source 1 – Federal Government).
However, Germany not only wants to become less dependent on fossil fuels, it also wants to be climate-neutral by 2045. This means that no more greenhouse gases are to be released in this country than can be offset by carbon sequestration. To achieve this goal, the share of renewable energies in electricity consumption should therefore increase to 80 percent by 2030. (Source 2 – Federal Government)
The challenges of the energy transition
However, the growing share of renewable energies also poses major challenges for the energy system. On the one hand, generation fluctuates more than in the past, while on the other, generation locations are shifting away from the centers of consumption (Source 3 – NEP). This requires an adaptation and modernization of the entire energy system.
The efficient use and distribution of renewable energies requires not only the expansion of the grid infrastructure, but also the ability to store energy (Source 4 – Bertelsmann Foundation). A key solution to overcoming the challenges of the energy transition therefore lies in the development of high-performance energy storage systems, in particular battery storage systems.
Why battery storage is the solution
With the steadily growing share of wind and solar energy, which fluctuates greatly depending on weather conditions, a reliable power supply is becoming increasingly important. Battery storage systems play a key role in better balancing supply and demand and stabilizing the electricity grid. Because sy can surplus energy savewhen about production exceeds demand, and these are then made available to the customer.enwhen they also is required. So take over battery storage systems the function of a buffer and guaranteed a reliable supply.
What battery storage systems are available and how are they used?
Household storageMany private households already use electricity storage systems, which are often connected to solar power systems. These enable self-generated electricity to be used more efficiently and stored until the evening hours – when no production is possible.
Commercial & industrial storage systems: Battery storage systems are also used in industry & commerce. used to reduce costs. They help companies to reduce peak loads, make better use of the potential of PV generation and can integrate charging stations for electric vehicles. In addition Industrial storage for the necessary supply stability.
Large-scale battery storageAt national level, large battery storage systems, known as grid-scale storage systems, make a significant contribution to the stability of the entire electricity grid. These systems balance out regional fluctuations and ensure that the electricity reaches the places where it is needed. Large-scale storage systems play a crucial role in frequency stabilization, especially during sudden peaks in demand or unexpected production outages. (Source 5 – EnBW)
A Voltfang battery storage system for a PV and charging park in front of a supermarket branch.
The many advantages of battery storage
1. grid stability and flexible energy supply
- Battery storage systems ensure a stable energy supply by compensating for fluctuations in electricity generation.
- They store surplus energy and feed it back into the grid as required, thereby ensuring grid stability.
- By storing energy locally in commercial storage units, they reduce the load on the electricity grid and help companies to remain flexible.
2. increase in energy efficiency
- Battery storage systems enable significant optimization of self-consumption by storing self-generated electricity and making it available when needed.
- For companies, they are an important part of the energy efficiency strategy, as they cut costs by peak shaving and reduce dependency on the electricity grid.
- Commercial storage facilities in particular offer companies the opportunity to make their energy supply more efficient and independent.
3. reduction of CO₂ emissions and promotion of sustainability
- Battery storage systems reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower CO₂ emissions through more efficient use of renewable energies.
- Sustainability concepts such as the circular economy and the use of electric car batteries help to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.
4. security of supply through innovative solutions
- Commercial storage systems and battery storage systems offer a high level of security of supply by providing electricity in the event of grid disruptions or peaks in demand.
- This resilience is crucial for a reliable energy supply in both the private and commercial sectors.
Disadvantages of conventional battery storage systems
Although battery storage systems play a key role in driving the energy transition forward, they still face some significant challenges. Currently, most storage solutions consist of lithium-ion batteries, as they offer a high energy density and are already widely available. However, their production is highly controversial, as it is not only cost-intensive but also very questionable from an ecological point of view. (Source 6 – Energy Technology) For example, limited raw materials such as lithium and cobalt are required, the extraction of which has a negative impact on the environment and entails social and ethical problems.
The high water consumption and CO₂ emissions in the production of batteries are particularly criticized. Although these environmental impacts are lower than those of fossil fuels, they still need to be taken into account and minimized. (Source 7 – EnBW)
Battery recycling
In view of rising demand, the development of other technologies, such as sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, is increasingly coming into focus. These alternative technologies promise more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions that are also less dependent on rare raw materials. (Source 8 – Fraunhofer ISI)
The issue of recycling is also crucial. Greater integration of circular economy concepts in the production and use of battery storage systems can help to recover valuable materials and reduce the environmental impact of waste. Companies and research institutes are working on improved recycling technologies and standards that make it possible to dispose of batteries sustainably and recover raw materials for reuse.
Second Life batteries
The ggreat potential lies in the recycling of batteries. Here we are talking about Second Life batteries. Thise Batteries originally used in electric vehicles used were are now for stationary energy storage solutions wfurtherused. Even if discarded batteries have served their original purpose in electric vehicles, they usually still have a residual capacity of at least 80 percent. This makes them ideal for use in stationary storage systems.
The use of so-called second life batteries not only reduces the dependence on new raw materials. AThe environmental impact is lower, as the life cycle of the batteries considerably longert is used. This means that Second Life batteries a cost-efficient and sustainable solution for providing additional storage capacity.
Conclusion: Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Battery storage systems are an indispensable technology for mastering the challenges of the energy transition. Although the conventional production of batteries can be problematic, innovative concepts such as recycling and second-life battery storage promote a sustainable and resource-conserving circular economy. They not only enable the efficient use of renewable energy, but also contribute to grid stability, cost reduction and CO₂ savings. Whether for trade & industry or at grid-serving level – battery storage systems offer a wide range of applications, from self-consumption optimization to the integration of charging stations and control power.
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