Battery Energy Storage

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Battery energy storage is simply storing energy in electrochemical batteries to be used in a number of ways, the most obvious is time shifting energy generation to use either at home, commercially or on the grid. Another direct advantage to battery storage for electricity users is peak shaving off grid (eg not through the meter) to cut peak pricing on their bills.

Beyond this batteries have many uses on the grid too

• load levelling at substations to smooth out supply fluctuations reducing the need to upgrade the system
• spinning reserve as spare capacity
• maintaining the grid frequency
• keeping voltage in limits
• black start capability if blackouts occur to re-start supply.

All of which helps reduce bills to the electricity user.

As technologies develop even home owners are starting to participate in the grid functions and being paid for helping out.