The role of battery storage and intelligent energy management in businesses
Electromobility and renewable energies are becoming increasingly central elements in corporate strategies for a sustainable future and efficient operations . However, the integration of electric vehicles and photovoltaic systems in businesses requires not only the acquisition of corresponding technologies but also an efficient and sustainable infrastructure for effective energy storage.
With the expansion of renewable energies such as solar and wind power, the efficient storage of intermittently generated energy becomes increasingly important. Through the use of battery storage, generated electricity can be stored and accessed when needed, ensuring not only reliable power supply but also reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and thereby lowering CO₂ emissions.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a significant increase in the global deployment of battery storage in the coming years in their analysis titled "Batteries and Secure Energy Transitions". According to the IEA, batteries play a central role in fulfilling the commitments made by nearly 200 countries at the UN Climate Conference in 2023. These commitments include phasing out fossil fuels and aiming to triple the global capacity of renewable energies by 2030, as well as doubling the pace of energy efficiency improvement. To enable the rapid deployment of new PV and wind power plants necessary for tripling renewable energies, the global energy storage capacity would need to increase to 1,500 GW by 2030 - six times the current level.
The increasing demand for battery storage poses significant challenges to the industry in terms of costs and availability. Second-life batteries from electric vehicles offer a promising solution to address these challenges. Second life refers to the reuse of used batteries from electric vehicles for stationary energy storage or other less demanding applications. Since lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles are highly complex products with valuable components, extending their lifespan and enabling their secondary use represents a meaningful extension of the value chain. Moreover, prolonged lifespan not only offers ecological benefits but can also generate additional revenue. Second-life storage from electric vehicle batteries can contribute to a more decentralized and independent energy infrastructure by helping to meet the growing demand for battery storage in the energy transition.
For companies employing electric vehicles and having, for instance, a photovoltaic installation, leveraging battery storage proves beneficial. With storage capacity, charging processes can be better managed and more efficiently controlled, while peak loads can be mitigated.
Furthermore, when introducing new electric fleets, the incorporation of battery storage and intelligent charging management can help avoid costly grid expansions.
The full potential of PV systems combined with battery storage is often underutilized. It makes sense to consume as much self-generated power as possible during sunny hours or to charge the battery storage or electric vehicle. An intelligent charging system automatically handles this based on weather forecasts and historical consumption data. Simultaneously, intelligent control through battery-friendly charging and discharging can significantly improve battery lifespan.
It's also crucial to consider how much power the storage system itself requires for functions and electronics. Good storage systems consume only a few watts in standby mode, making them highly efficient. A comprehensive overview of storage system efficiency is provided by the annual Power Storage Inspection conducted by HTW Berlin.
Storage solutions are supported through various programs. Some federal states offer subsidies for the purchase of a battery storage system, often in conjunction with the acquisition of a new photovoltaic system. Many cities and counties also offer grant programs, sometimes as part of regional solar campaigns. Contacting one's municipality and checking the websites of the state government, such as the Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection, can provide further guidance.
The state development bank KfW also offers loans for solar systems and energy storage through program 270. However, it's advisable to explore other financing options as well, as they may be more cost-effective.
Conclusion
The future of the energy transition lies in the holistic integration of renewable energies, battery storage, and intelligent charging solutions for electric vehicles. Through these measures, businesses can not only reduce their costs but also make a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions and conserving natural resources.
