“The global battery energy storage market is on a rapid growth trajectory,” says Buket Mansuroglu, director, vertical markets at nVent Schroff, a global leader in electrical connection and protection solutions.   

“APAC has currently the largest share of installed capacity, but Europe has seen an exponential increase in battery energy storage systems over the past few years. In terms of technology, lithium-ion (li-ion) based batteries have been favoured for their high energy density, efficiency, and declining costs but R&D investment is now flowing into other technologies with favourable characteristics.”

The development of battery technologies continues. Lithium-ion batteries are undergoing continuous improvements in energy density, charging speed, and lifespan. Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a promising alternative with their cost efficiency, environmental friendliness, and safety features. On the other hand, solid-state batteries are promising advances in battery chemistry which offers the potential for increased energy density, safety, and improved cycle life.

In addition to them, flow batteries, which use energy stored in electrolytes by increasing the potential difference between two electrochemical liquids, promise a longer lifespan then li-ion and an improved safety profile too. Developments in these technologies should be closely watched. Buket notes: “The main drivers for researching and investing in alternative battery technologies are achieving greater stability, higher energy density, longer cycle life, and overall cost reduction. Sustainability and environmental factors are also crucial.

But Kirim Serhan, business development manager at nVent says the market is still very much dominated by li-ion and will continue to be for a while yet.

nVent is one business playing a crucial role in the energy transition, supporting OEMs and integrators navigate regulatory and safety hurdles and shape energy storage systems so they are fully optimised while also flexible enough to accommodate for technological upgrades. Its unique enclosures include advanced thermal management systems, comprehensive electrical protection solutions, and modular power distribution systems which can be integrated into larger infrastructure projects, all critical components for effective energy storage.

BESS manufacturers can stand out if they deliver high performance and longer lifecycles. “But there are hurdles,” says Serhan. “Battery degradation is inevitable. Batteries need to survive in increasingly challenging and harsh environments. There is good news, though. While we wait for further advances in complex areas like chemistry, there are already practical ways to make cells last longer.

“Having expertise in this allows us to help the market accelerate development in BESS.”

He says companies tend to approach nVent with a rough idea but need their expertise to integrate systems and resolve mechanical and thermal issues.

“We provide design flexibility, robustness, safety, modularity, and customisation,” Serhan explains. “All clients start with a prototype, which we help design and test over three to six months. Our application engineers collaborate deeply with clients during this phase.”