Energy storage battery procurement process

What is a battery energy storage system checklist?

Checklist provides federal agencies with a standard set of tasks, questions, and reference points to assist in the early stages of battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development.

How do energy storage contracts work?

For standalone energy storage contracts, these are typically structured with a fixed monthly capacity payment plus some variable cost per megawatt hour (MWh) of throughput. For a combined renewables-plus-storage project, it may be structured with an energy-only price in lieu of a fixed monthly capacity payment.

How can battery storage improve solar energy production?

Note rising interest in value streams that are locally realized, e.g., time-shifting to balance rising distributed energy resources (DERs) locally. Battery storage can prevent solar over-production, while facilitating local high-renewables goals. It also may sometimes defer the need for a distribution upgrade (non-wires alternative).

What should you consider when buying a new battery supplier?

When considering a new supplier, buyers should carefully check the company’s safety credentials and industry certifications, as well as the possible failure modes with the battery type they supply, and how these are mitigated.

What is augmentation in energy storage?

Augmentation: In the context of energy storage, “augmentation” refers to the process of adding storage capacity to a project over time and is typically seen in the context of battery energy storage projects.

What are the safety requirements for energy storage technologies?

Safety: Minimum safety and operating requirements are common considerations for energy projects. Energy storage resources present additional safety concerns given their unique technological profiles. For battery storage technologies in particular, safety requirements should adequately address fire risks.