Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Flexible, scalable, and fast-responding storage to optimise energy use and support decarbonisation.
What is a Battery Energy Storage System?
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) play a critical role in enabling efficient, reliable, and low-carbon energy networks. By storing electricity and discharging it when needed, BESS helps balance supply and demand, improves energy resilience, and supports the integration of intermittent renewable energy such as solar and wind.
BESS can be deployed at grid level or behind-the-meter for commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications. They support a range of functions including peak shaving, frequency response, demand side management, and backup power.
Clarke Energy offers technology-agnostic BESS solutions as standalone installations or integrated into hybrid energy systems and microgrids. Our offering includes full EPC delivery and lifecycle support, helping organisations enhance flexibility, reduce emissions, and transition away from fossil-fuel-based backup generation.
Sustainability Benefits of BESS
Renewable Enablement
Supports higher renewable penetration by balancing supply and demand.
Energy Resilience
Provides backup power during outages and improves site-level reliability.
Emissions Avoidance
Stores excess renewable energy for use during peak demand, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering associated emissions.
Why Clarke Energy for BESS Projects?
- Full EPC capability with in-house engineering, design, and project management.
- Technology agnostic – working with a range of leading battery suppliers.
- Nationwide service support and robust financial stability for long-term peace of mind.
- Proven track record in the energy sector with >10GW of global energy projects delivered.
- Integration expertise across hybrid systems including gas engines, solar and microgrids.
Discover More
System Applications
Peak Shifting & Shaving
Demand Side Response
Black Start Capability
Flexible Deployment Footprints
System Applications
BESS enables a wide range of functions including peak shifting, peak shaving, demand side response, and black start. It also plays a critical role in microgrid integration and hybrid energy system optimisation.
Peak Shifting & Shaving
BESS stores electricity when prices or demand are low and discharges when costs are high, allowing for efficient energy usage and significant cost savings.
Demand Side Response
BESS supports demand side response by enabling consumers to reduce or shift consumption during peak grid periods—sometimes earning incentives from grid operators.
Black Start Capability
BESS can restore power to a site following a blackout without needing a grid signal, supporting grid resilience and system restart during outages.
Flexible Deployment Footprints
Clarke Energy can deliver BESS projects at various scales, , with required footprints ranging from 2,000 m² to 45,000 m² depending on energy and duration needs.
Microgrid and Hybrid Energy Integration
BESS can operate in hybrid systems with other technologies like CHP, wind, solar, and thermal storage, managed via advanced microgrid controls to maximise energy use and reliability.
Applications
Data Centres
Manufacturing
District Energy
Utilities
Oil and Gas
Mining
Independent Power Producers
Grid Services
Comprehensive Project Development Support
Project Engineering
Electrical and mechanical engineering along with a dedicated team of computer aided design staff.
Project Management
Comprehensive project management service for the installation of your generation projects.
Project Feasibility
Feasibility studies offered for a range of services to assess the viability of your energy projects.
Engineering, Procurement and Construction
Comprehensive EPC services complimenting the supply and maintenance power generation equipment.
Latest BESS News
Lithium Iron Phosphate BESS – The State of Charge Challenge
As lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries become the dominant chemistry for large-scale battery energy storage systems, accurate state-of-charge (SOC) estimation has emerged as a critical challenge. Due to LFP’s flat voltage profile, traditional SOC methods...
Clarke Energy Powers Up Senex Energy Projects with 36MW of Innovative Solutions
The project combining Jenbacher engines and BESS technology demonstrates Clarke Energy’s ability to deliver innovative hybrid power solutions.
Clarke Energy Appointed Principal Contractor for Third Grid-Resilience BESS Project with Field
The 50MW/100MWh BESS system at Drum Farm in Scotland, is scheduled to commence site-works in late summer 2025 and reach completion in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about BESS
Technical and Engineering
What is a battery energy storage system (BESS) and how does it work?
A BESS stores electricity during periods of low demand or high generation and discharges it when needed to balance supply and demand, improve resilience, and support grid stability.
What energy functions can BESS support at industrial and commercial sites?
BESS can provide peak shaving, load shifting, frequency response, demand side management, black start, and backup power.
Can BESS operate as part of a hybrid or microgrid energy system?
Yes – BESS integrates seamlessly with technologies such as CHP, solar, wind, and thermal storage to optimise performance in hybrid or off-grid systems.
What is black start capability in a BESS?
Black start allows a battery system to restore power after an outage without needing an external grid signal, enhancing resilience and energy security.
Financial and Commercial
How does battery energy storage help reduce electricity costs for businesses?
BESS reduces costs by storing energy when it is cheaper and discharging during peak tariff periods. It can also lower demand charges and enable participation in energy markets.
Can BESS projects qualify for grid incentives or demand response programmes?
Yes – BESS can participate in grid balancing schemes such as frequency response and demand side response, generating revenue or reducing bills.
Is battery storage a financially viable option for industrial and commercial sites?
Yes – when designed properly, BESS can offer strong financial returns through cost savings, improved energy efficiency, and access to grid services.
Environmental and Sustainability
How does installing a BESS support decarbonisation goals?
BESS enables higher renewable energy usage by storing excess solar or wind power and reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based backup systems.
Can installing a BESS help eliminate diesel generator usage?
Yes – BESS can provide cleaner backup power, reducing or replacing the need for diesel generators and their associated emissions.
What sustainability benefits does battery storage offer to ESG strategies?
BESS supports ESG goals by improving energy efficiency, lowering carbon emissions, and facilitating renewable integration and energy resilience.
Operational and Implementation
What sectors commonly deploy battery energy storage systems?
BESS is used in sectors including manufacturing, data centres, utilities, healthcare, universities, mining, and grid services.
How long does it take to install a commercial-scale battery energy storage system?
Project timelines vary but typically range from 6 to 12 months depending on system size, permitting, and integration needs.
What kind of service and support is available after installing a BESS solution?
Clarke Energy provides full lifecycle support including system monitoring, diagnostics, preventative maintenance, and performance optimisation.
Ready to take the next step with a BESS project?
Clarke Energy’s regional experts can provide the insight and support you need to evaluate options and achieve the right energy solution for your business.
