Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are reshaping how industrial automation and control systems manage energy. ABB and GridBeyond’s whitepaper introduces a service-based model that removes financial and technical barriers, enabling businesses to adopt advanced energy solutions with minimal risk.
Rising Electricity Demand Challenges Industrial Automation
Global electricity consumption is surging due to digitalization and electrification. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that data centers alone will consume 945 TWh by 2030. In the U.S., total electricity demand is expected to grow by 25% between 2023 and 2030. This trend places pressure on factory automation systems, especially those relying on PLCs and DCS architectures, to manage energy more efficiently.
BESS Supports Renewable Integration and Grid Stability
Battery energy storage systems help shift surplus renewable energy to peak demand periods. This capability reduces reliance on fossil fuels and enhances grid stability. In 2023, global BESS capacity grew by 42 GW, driven by utility-scale and behind-the-meter deployments. For industrial sites, BESS can flatten load curves and support control systems in maintaining operational continuity.
Overcoming Barriers with BESS-as-a-Service
Traditional BESS adoption faces hurdles like high capital costs and complex infrastructure. ABB’s BESS-as-a-Service model eliminates these barriers. Businesses pay a fixed operational fee while ABB handles design, installation, and maintenance over a 10–20-year term. This model aligns with lean manufacturing principles and supports flexible energy strategies.
Enhancing Operational Resilience and ROI
Stuart Thompson, President of ABB Electrification Service, emphasizes the financial and operational benefits of BESS-as-a-Service. Companies gain immediate access to cost savings and new revenue streams without upfront investment. This approach strengthens resilience and supports sustainability goals, especially for facilities with integrated control systems.
AI-Driven Optimization for Energy Assets
GridBeyond’s AI platform plays a critical role in optimizing BESS performance. It forecasts renewable availability, market prices, and asset utilization using historical data and weather patterns. These insights enable real-time decisions that maximize revenue and ensure agile energy management. For industrial automation, AI integration enhances predictive maintenance and load balancing.
Scalable Deployment for Industrial Sites
Commercial BESS units range from 500 kW to 20 MW and require minimal space—about four parking spots. This compact footprint makes them suitable for constrained industrial environments. BESS can also support heat pumps and EV charging, shifting solar energy to evening operations and reducing grid dependency.
Application Scenario: BESS in a Smart Factory
Consider a smart factory using PLCs and SCADA systems to manage production. By integrating BESS-as-a-Service, the facility can store midday solar energy and deploy it during peak evening shifts. AI algorithms optimize battery dispatch, while ABB ensures system reliability. This setup reduces energy costs and enhances uptime.
Conclusion: A Strategic Path for Industrial Energy Management
ABB and GridBeyond’s BESS-as-a-Service model offers a scalable, low-risk solution for industrial automation stakeholders. By combining battery storage with AI-driven optimization, businesses can future-proof their energy strategies and support decarbonization efforts.