February 8, 2019    |   back to news

A new report from Navigant Research examines advanced batteries for critical infrastructure (ABCI) solutions that use distributed energy storage system (DESS) technology to change the energy storage landscape and give both utility and commercial and industrial (C&I) customers better options to meet their needs.

In order to provide a stable supply of electricity that allows operations to continue in the event of a power failure, some commercial facility managers are turning to ABCI solutions. According to the report, the estimated size of the ABCI market in 2018 is 262.3 MW, however, by 2027, the annual global market for deploying ABCI is expected to reach 9.6 GW.

"With society's high reliance on electricity and power, it is not a question of if a failure will happen but when," says Ian McClenny, research analyst at Navigant Research. "While still a new market, DESSs with critical power-providing capabilities can help mitigate the effect of electrical service outages for mission critical facility operations by providing grid ancillary services and electrical demand charge reduction."

Extended blackouts can be a major source of public risk and financial loss to both the occupants of commercial facilities and to the facility itself, according to the report. While ABCI can provide safeguards, important considerations when installing ABCI systems include building load profiles, facility power reticulation, connection specifications/standards, and data sensitivity needs.

The report examines ABCI solutions that leverage utility-scale and behind-the-meter C&I DESS technology. The study identifies the qualifying characteristics of advanced batteries that make them ideal candidates for critical power needs in several building types. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

Source: Navigant Research