Batteries are now replacing diesel generators, and Microsoft has made the switch official. Microsoft has replaced a data center’s diesel-powered backup with a large scale battery energy storage system (BESS) issued by Saft, a TotalEnergies subsidiary. This battery energy storage system is a type of battery storage system, and Saft, the company providing the system, specializes in such solutions.
This is an important step towards removing fossil fuel backup systems from hyper scale infrastructure.
Upon delivery in June, the new unit provided 16 MWh of storage capacity which would sustain critical systems for 80 minutes at peak loads of 24 MW. The system is made up of multiple components, including battery cells, inverters, and controls that manage the operation and safety of the system. The battery storage system stores electricity as direct current, which is then converted to alternating current for grid connection and use by the data center. This is the same amount of power that would have previously been supplied by Diesel generators.
When Microsoft launched its Sweden Central region in late 2021, the backup power at its Gävle, Sandviken, and Staffanstorp sites still relied on diesel generators which bought some activists attention. Microsoft tried to soften the blow by switching some of that diesel to Preem Evolution Diesel Plus, a fuel with at least 50% renewable content, but it was still diesel. The grid connection allows the battery storage system to supply stored electricity directly to critical systems.
This comes after ongoing concern from environmentalists and local government in Sweden where use of diesel fuels is considered both socially irresponsible and environmentally harmful. The ability of battery energy storage systems to store and release electricity helps reduce costs and supports the broader economy by enabling more efficient energy use.
In 2021, Microsoft pledged to eliminate all diesel consumption by 2030. This project serves as an example of how storage plants and storage facilities can replace traditional backup power sources in large-scale infrastructure.
While lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in these systems, alternatives like sodium ion batteries with lower energy density are being explored for future storage facilities and solar parks. The importance of controls in preventing BESS incidents and ensuring safe operation for customers is also a key consideration for any company deploying such technology.
Bess Installations and Grid Stability
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are transforming the way modern power grids operate, playing a pivotal role in ensuring grid stability and supporting the global shift toward renewable energy sources. As the integration of solar power and wind energy increases, so does the need for reliable energy storage solutions that can manage the inherent variability of these renewable sources. BESS installations provide a crucial buffer, storing excess energy when production exceeds demand and releasing it during peak demand periods, which helps to balance supply and demand across the power grid.
The adoption of advanced battery storage technologies, particularly lithium-ion batteries, has accelerated due to their high energy density, efficiency, and declining cost. These batteries are now the backbone of many large-scale energy storage systems, offering significant energy storage capacity for both grid-scale and commercial applications. However, other technologies such as lead acid batteries and flow batteries are also utilized, each offering unique advantages depending on the specific requirements for power output, duration, and cost-effectiveness.
BESS installations are typically categorized as either front-of-the-meter (FOTM) or behind-the-meter (BTM) systems. Front-of-the-meter solutions are often deployed at utility scale, providing essential grid services like peak shaving, load shifting, and frequency regulation. These installations help utilities manage fluctuations in energy supply, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower overall energy costs. Behind-the-meter systems, on the other hand, are commonly used by commercial and industrial companies to provide backup power, reduce energy costs, and ensure uninterrupted operations during grid outages.
The benefits of deploying BESS are far-reaching. By enabling the storage and controlled release of renewable energy, these systems help reduce the environmental impact of traditional power plants and support efforts to combat climate change. In remote locations, BESS can replace diesel generators, offering a cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective source of backup power. This not only lowers operational costs but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with energy production.
As the energy transition accelerates, the demand for robust and scalable energy storage systems is growing rapidly. The global market for BESS is expanding, fueled by the declining cost of battery storage technologies and the increasing adoption of renewable energy. Industry analysts project that the market could reach $120 billion to $150 billion by 2030, underscoring the critical role of BESS in the future energy landscape.
In summary, battery energy storage systems are essential for maintaining grid stability, integrating renewable energy sources, and supporting the ongoing energy transition. With advancements in battery technology and a growing focus on sustainability, BESS installations are set to become an integral part of modern energy infrastructure, delivering reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible power solutions for years to come.
