Why large-scale storage is now becoming a strategic competitive advantage for business

Large-scale energy storage for businesses: Why modern battery storage systems are becoming increasingly important

The energy supply for businesses is changing noticeably. Electricity prices are fluctuating more than they did just a few years ago. At the same time, demands for security of supply, cost-effectiveness and sustainability are rising. Many businesses are therefore looking for ways to make their energy supply more independent and predictable.

This is precisely where modern large-scale storage systems come into play.

What was previously used mainly by energy suppliers or large solar parks is now developing into an important component of modern corporate strategies. Large-scale storage systems help to reduce energy costs, use electricity intelligently and reliably safeguard critical processes.&
AXCOM offers companies modern large-scale storage solutions for industry, commerce and critical infrastructure. Interested parties can find further information at www.axcom-shop.de, by email to info@axcom.de or by telephone on 0800 25 39 835.

Reducing energy costs through peak load shaving

In many companies, high electricity costs are not caused by continuous consumption, but by short-term power peaks. These so-called peak loads often increase grid charges significantly.
A large-scale storage system can specifically absorb such peaks. The required energy is provided from the storage system at short notice, thereby reducing the load on the electricity grid. This often leads to a significant reduction in energy costs.

This is of particular interest to:

• Industrial companies
• Manufacturing plants
• Logistics centres
• Data centres
• Charging infrastructure for e-mobility

The more dynamic the energy demand, the greater the potential savings usually are.
Research by HTW Berlin and Fraunhofer ISE, among others, shows that battery storage is increasingly being used for grid stabilisation and load optimisation.
Source: HTW Berlin: https://solar.htw-berlin.de/
Source: Fraunhofer ISE: https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/

Security of supply during energy shortages

The stability of electricity grids is becoming increasingly important for businesses. Digitalisation, electromobility and rising energy demand are already placing a significant strain on many grids today.
Large-scale storage systems can serve as a reliable energy buffer in such situations. They store electricity and make it available exactly when it is needed. This protects sensitive processes and reduces the risk of unplanned outages.
This can be crucial, particularly in sectors with high demands on security of supply. Even brief interruptions often result in high costs or production stoppages.

According to recent research, stationary energy storage systems are considered a key component of modern energy grids with a high proportion of renewable energy.
Source: ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/energy-storage-system

Reliably securing critical infrastructure

In some sectors, an uninterruptible power supply is essential. These include, amongst others:

• Data centres
• Telecommunications
• Healthcare
• Security and control centres
• Water and energy supply

Large-scale energy storage systems can play a key role here.
Compared to traditional diesel generators, battery storage systems respond with virtually no delay. They operate emission-free, are significantly quieter and require less maintenance. At the same time, they can be combined very effectively with photovoltaics or other renewable energy sources.
For operators of critical infrastructure, this provides a modern and future-proof solution for safeguarding sensitive systems.

Storing electricity intelligently and using it cost-effectively

Another important area of application is what is known as energy arbitrage.
In this process, companies purchase electricity specifically at times when market prices are low, store it temporarily, and use it later when electricity prices are higher. Due to increasing volatility in the energy markets, this model is becoming increasingly important.

Particularly when combined with:

• photovoltaic systems
• dynamic electricity tariffs
• smart energy management systems

significant economic benefits can be achieved.
Information on the development of flexible energy markets and smart storage solutions is published by, amongst others, the German Energy Agency (dena).
Source: dena: https://www.dena.de/

Using renewable energy more efficiently

Many companies are already investing in their own solar power systems. However, without storage, often only part of the electricity generated can be used directly.
Large-scale storage systems solve precisely this problem.

Surplus solar power is stored and used later when energy production drops or electricity demand rises. This significantly increases self-consumption and makes companies less dependent on the electricity market.
This not only improves the system’s cost-effectiveness but also supports a more sustainable energy supply.

Why sodium-ion storage is becoming increasingly attractive

Alongside traditional lithium-ion batteries, another technology is increasingly coming into focus. Sodium-ion storage is considered particularly promising for large-scale stationary storage.
A key advantage lies in their high thermal stability.

Sodium-ion batteries are significantly less sensitive to high temperatures and are considered far less prone to so-called thermal runaway. This refers to an uncontrolled chain reaction within a battery which, in the worst-case scenario, can cause fires.

It is precisely this safety aspect that is making the technology increasingly attractive to businesses, planners and insurance companies.

Several research institutes are already working intensively on this topic and see great potential for stationary storage applications.
Source: Fraunhofer ISE: Sodium-ion technologies at Fraunhofer ISE
Source: Nature Energy: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-021-00791-9

There is also another advantage. Sodium is available in large quantities worldwide and is considered to be significantly less dependent on critical raw materials than lithium. As a result, sodium-ion systems could become a particularly sustainable and cost-effective solution for large-scale energy storage in the long term.

Large-scale storage as part of modern energy strategies

Modern battery storage systems are increasingly becoming an integral part of smart energy systems.

Companies benefit in several ways:

• lower energy costs
• greater security of supply
• better utilisation of renewable energies
• greater flexibility in the energy market
• reduced grid loads

Those who adopt modern storage solutions at an early stage create the essential conditions for an economical and future-proof energy supply.
AXCOM supports companies in selecting suitable large-scale storage solutions for individual requirements and different areas of application.

Conclusion

Large-scale storage systems are becoming increasingly important for businesses. They help to optimise energy costs, improve security of supply and make more efficient use of renewable energy.
Modern sodium-ion technologies in particular could play an important role in the future. Especially where safety, temperature stability and long-term cost-effectiveness are crucial.

This offers businesses the opportunity to make their energy supply not only more secure, but also significantly more flexible and cost-effective. Get in touch:
Email: info@axcom.de
Telephone: +49 (0)2154-4838-0
Website: https://www.axcom-shop.com/