Battery energy storage systems: South-east Asia’s key to renewable energy resilience
The game-changing technology presents an opportunity for the region to leapfrog traditional energy infrastructure limitations and embrace a sustainable future
THE 2024 International Energy Agency report revealed a stark reality: the global growth of electricity demand is expected to increase to a 3.4 per cent average from 2024 through 2026. Over 60 per cent of global energy is derived from fossil fuels. Key economies such as the United States, China and Japan rely on fossil fuels for more than half of their energy supply.
The situation is even more dire in South-east Asia, with a staggering 80 per cent of the energy mix dominated by these finite resources. This alarming scenario necessitates immediate action to avert an impending energy crisis and detrimental climate change impact, stirring concern and motivating us to act.
Meeting the growing energy demand with BESS
As the world races towards a sustainable future, the need for innovative energy solutions has never been more pressing. This is where battery energy storage systems (BESS), combined with renewable energy sources, are poised to revolutionise how we harness and utilise renewable energy sources.
In an era where cities are becoming smarter and environmental sustainability is a top priority, traditional reliance on non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels is no longer sustainable. While abundant and clean, solar and wind energy face intermittent and grid stability limitations. BESS, a game-changing technology, offers a versatile and efficient solution to bridge the gap between energy generation and consumption.
BESS is able to complement renewable energy sources such as solar power, ensuring a reliable and flexible power supply.
During the day, when solar energy production is at its peak, excess energy generated is stored in batteries for later use. Once the battery is full, the excess energy is sold back to the power grid. This stored energy can then be deployed during periods of low solar generation or high demand, effectively balancing the grid and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. When the battery’s energy runs out, it will be supplied from the power grid.
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BESS can provide a stable and consistent energy supply despite disruptions or outages. For businesses, especially those already invested in solar energy, BESS helps to optimise energy usage, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability efforts.
How BESS can impact South-east Asia
In a region historically reliant on imported fossil fuels, BESS offers a decentralised energy model that empowers nations to harness their abundant renewable resources.
Furthermore, adopting BESS presents an opportunity for South-east Asia to leapfrog traditional energy infrastructure limitations and embrace a sustainable energy future. As the region grapples with rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, BESS enables scalable modular energy solutions that quickly adapt to evolving needs.
With many South-east Asian nations committed to transitioning to cleaner energy and rolling out roadmaps to guide their plants and goals, solar energy and BESS convergence emerges as a viable solution to kickstart their transition.
By enabling businesses to engage in energy arbitrage – purchasing energy at lower prices during off-peak periods and storing it during peak demand – BESS empowers economic efficiency and sustainability.
For example, ENGIE’s collaboration with Luik Natie in Antwerp’s port showcases the tangible impact of BESS deployment, with significant energy savings achieved through integrating BESS, solar panels and wind turbines. This has helped Luik Natie to produce 1.7 MWp of photovoltaic power generated by 5,000 solar panels, increasing the total on-site renewable production capacity to 4.7 MW.
While legacy energy infrastructure has served as a cornerstone, it now presents challenges amid global energy transition efforts. By supplementing these systems with BESS technology, nations can bolster their resilience and reduce vulnerability to market volatility while aligning with carbon emission reduction goals.
As South-east Asia charts this transformative path, collaboration among governments, industries, and communities becomes paramount. Stakeholders can accelerate BESS adoption through innovation, investment, and knowledge-sharing, fostering a cleaner, more inclusive energy future.
The writer is head of solar for commercial and industrial projects, ENGIE South East Asia
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