Energy storage is no longer a niche player in the energy transition…it’s a cornerstone. But as battery energy storage systems (BESS) become increasingly central to grid reliability, decarbonization goals, and commercial opportunity, the decisions facing developers, utilities, and asset owners are becoming more complex.
From system design to market participation, the lifecycle of a battery project involves a series of critical crossroads, each with implications for performance, flexibility, cost, and long-term value. Should you choose an AC- or DC-coupled system? Is it better to go with an integrated solution or a modular approach? When your system reaches the end of its life, should you shut it down or rebuild atop the existing infrastructure? These are not theoretical questions–they’re real-world trade-offs shaping the future of storage.
That’s why we’re introducing Battle of the BESS, a new thought leadership series dedicated to exploring the pivotal decisions battery stakeholders face, and how to navigate them.
What You Can Expect from the Series
Battle of the BESS is not about declaring winners and losers. Rather, we’re bringing you behind the scenes of some of the industry’s most debated topics to unpack the pros, cons, and–most importantly–contexts that make one option better suited than another. Whether you’re in early-stage development or long-term asset management, this series is designed to help you make smarter decisions, backed by the insights from experienced engineers, market analysts, and performance experts.
Each installment will break down a common dilemma or comparison, including:
- AC vs. DC-Coupled Systems: A look at how system architecture can influence grid interconnection, solar co-location, and energy management strategies.
- Integrated vs. Modular Systems: Exploring the trade-offs between all-in-one solutions and mix-and-match flexibility.
- Overbuild vs. Augmentation: Understanding lifecycle planning and the financial and operational implications of building excess capacity upfront vs. adding it on later.
- Shutting Down vs. Rebuilding: When a BESS nears the end of its life and you’re faced with repowering, redevelopment, and decommissioning, what’s the right path forward?
- Lithium-ion vs. Alternative Battery Chemistries: As technologies like sodium-ion and flow batteries emerge, we’ll help cut through the hype to focus on use-case fit and maturity.
- Wholesale Market vs. Value Stacking: How to approach revenue strategy when faced with competing head-to-head in wholesale markets or building a diversified income stream through stacking.
Why It Matters Now
The energy storage landscape is evolving fast. Policies are changing, interconnection queues are growing, and the value of flexibility is increasing. At the same time, developers and asset owners are facing greater scrutiny over performance, economics, and long-term reliability. Making the right decisions early (or knowing when to pivot later) can make or break a project.
Through Battle of the BESS, we aim to provide the clarity and context that today’s energy storage leaders need to act confidently. Each topic will be explored by cross-functional members of our team who’ve made these decisions in the field and know firsthand what works and what doesn’t.
Whether you’re evaluating technologies for a greenfield site, planning capacity for future revenue streams, or managing a fleet of aging assets, Battle of the BESS is built to inform and inspire your next move.
Stay Tuned
Next week, we’ll begin by tackling AC vs. DC-Coupled Systems, so be on the lookout, and be sure to follow along at stem.com/news/blogs to stay up to date on our latest posts!
Let the battle begin.