Grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

For around 200 – 1000+ customers

The BESS is a large battery that predominantly acts as an energy storage system (usually on a community scale). When used as a community energy solution on its own, a BESS is connected to and works alongside the wider distribution network. In this scenario, the BESS can enhance the wider distribution network’s reliability and resilience through peak load management, power quality improvements and increased hosting capacity for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). DERs are households and businesses with behind-the-meter installed roof top solar and/or batteries.

A BESS can also form the main storage solution for a grid-connected or off-grid microgrid.

Technology suite:

• Battery bank(s).
• Protection & control equipment.
• Additional software for aggregation and orchestration – if advanced functionality is being used for the battery to participate in the energy market and provide market services. For example, providing Frequency Controlled Ancillary Services (FCAS) as a scheduled or unscheduled generator.

Key considerations for deployment:

• Network requirements - e.g. additional protection requirements to minimise bushfire risks.
• Arranging battery charging and discharging for safe and reliable operation within the local distribution network.
• Community support and acceptance of new or alternative technologies.
• Does the solution’s cost and complexity align to your community’s primary objective?
• Land lease agreements and system location (as applicable).
• Participation in electricity market services.

Community benefits:

• Increased reliability of power supply.
• Peak demand support and management.
• Alleviate low demand and power quality issues - e.g. overvoltage, PV export limits etc.
• Supporting community solar integration.
• Pride of deploying a community energy solution.