Redefining Energy Storage in the Age of Smart Automation
ABB, a global powerhouse in electrification and industrial automation, has partnered with GridBeyond to release a groundbreaking white paper titled “Batteries Without Barriers.”
The report explores how Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are reshaping modern factory automation and control systems, enabling businesses to reduce operational costs, enhance grid stability, and accelerate the global energy transition.
In today’s fast-evolving industrial landscape, energy flexibility has become just as critical as production efficiency. ABB and GridBeyond argue that integrating BESS with PLC and DCS-driven systems can turn traditional energy assets into strategic tools for profit and sustainability.
From Backup Power to Strategic Energy Asset
Historically, industrial users viewed batteries primarily as backup power solutions. However, the white paper highlights a significant shift — batteries are now vital in active energy management and automation control.
Modern BESS can store surplus energy from on-site renewables or purchase grid energy during low-price periods. As a result, factories can monetize energy flexibility, offset power peaks, and stabilize industrial control systems without interrupting operations.
This transformation means energy storage is no longer just a safety measure but a value-generating industrial asset that contributes to lower carbon emissions, better cost control, and improved energy resilience.
Smart Service Models for Industrial Energy Systems
A key insight from ABB and GridBeyond’s collaboration is the emergence of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) models. These service structures eliminate upfront capital investment and reduce the technical complexity often associated with automation and control integration.
Through this model, companies can deploy intelligent storage solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing PLC, SCADA, or DCS systems, gaining immediate financial and operational benefits.
According to Stuart Thompson, President of ABB Electrification Service, this approach “removes financial and technical barriers, allowing businesses to take control of their energy strategies and unlock new value from their assets.”
AI-Driven Energy Optimization and Market Flexibility
Artificial intelligence plays a central role in optimizing industrial energy systems. GridBeyond CEO Michael Phelan emphasized that AI-based forecasting of market prices and grid conditions enables accurate, real-time decision-making.
By dynamically managing when to charge or discharge stored energy, factories can maximize ROI while maintaining energy reliability for mission-critical automation systems.
Moreover, AI’s predictive analytics enhance load balancing within factory environments, aligning with PLC- and DCS-based automation frameworks to reduce downtime and energy waste.
Implications for the Industrial Automation Sector
For the industrial automation industry, this evolution signals a pivotal integration between energy optimization and control technology. As production plants become more digitized, energy-aware automation systems are essential for competitiveness.
Manufacturers implementing BESS can expect not only lower energy bills but also improved supply chain resilience, enhanced equipment protection, and compliance with sustainability standards.
In the context of Industry 4.0, BESS integration with smart control platforms will likely become a standard feature across factories and energy-intensive operations.
Expert Commentary: A New Phase in Energy-Aware Automation
From an industry perspective, ABB and GridBeyond’s collaboration illustrates a broader shift toward integrated energy-automation ecosystems. The convergence of battery management, AI forecasting, and PLC-based control systems is transforming how manufacturers think about power.
As energy markets grow increasingly dynamic, companies that invest in intelligent automation—linking energy storage, control systems, and predictive analytics—will be better equipped to manage volatility and achieve long-term sustainability.
Practical Applications: Where Battery-Driven Automation Adds Value
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Manufacturing Plants: BESS integrated with PLC systems can regulate high-load machinery operations and minimize grid dependency.
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Process Industries: Combining DCS with energy optimization improves process stability and power quality.
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Data Centers: Battery-backed automation ensures uninterrupted uptime while optimizing peak load management.
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Renewable Energy Sites: Smart control systems balance solar or wind energy generation with battery storage for grid reliability.