These are not small batteries like those in a phone, but batteries housed in modules, containers or buildings. They consist of many battery modules that together can store electricity and release it again when needed. In this way they help keep the energy system balanced.
Role in the future energy system
Our energy system is changing rapidly. The growth of wind and solar power is increasing variability in how much energy is available at any given moment. On sunny or windy days there is sometimes even too much electricity, while at other times there can be a shortage. Our electricity system must always be balanced between generation and consumption. That is why batteries play a key role: they capture surpluses so that renewable energy is not lost.
Batteries can be connected behind the meter at, for example, a wind farm, a solar park, or at an end user such as an industrial site. They can then share the same connection. In addition, batteries can be connected stand‑alone (directly) to the grid. They receive their own connection from the grid operator, which connects them directly to the high‑voltage substation. This enables them to keep the electricity grid balanced by providing frequency support. That means the batteries quickly draw power from the grid when there is too much, and quickly feed power back when there is too little available.
Large-scale batteries of, for example, more than 10 MW with their own grid connection make agreements with grid operators about when they may or may not charge and discharge, so that their impact on the electricity grid is neutral or even congestion‑relieving.
As a result, battery projects help make the electricity grid more reliable, reduce congestion, and ensure that more renewable energy can be connected and utilized.
We focus, among other things, on:
- Location development: finding a suitable site and concluding land contracts with the owner.
- Coordination with the electricity grid operators: discussions about the connection, transmission capacity, required studies and completing the connection process.
- Permits and studies: applying for the necessary permits and conducting studies, such as noise, safety and spatial integration.
- Overleg met de omgeving: we gaan in gesprek met de omgeving om de juiste vragen te beantwoorden en uitleg te geven over de BESS
- Technical elaboration: determining the appropriate design, the battery configuration and the surrounding energy system.
- Financial conditions: modelling the business case, preparing contracts with suppliers and planning the route to construction and operation.
“At Tethys we develop battery projects, also known as BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) projects. A battery project is more than just the technical installation. It is a complete development process in which we take care of all the steps required to realize a battery at a safe, suitable and commercially viable location.”
At Tethys we have extensive experience in developing projects for the energy transition. We know that a project is not developed overnight and understand what is needed to advance projects. In addition, we look far beyond just the economic aspects and ensure that every project delivers social added value, both nationally and locally.
Integration into the energy system and the landscape
At Tethys we place value on the proper integration of the battery into the electrical system. For the physical and local integration we consult with the landowner, the local community and the municipality.
For the grid connection and technical integration we consult with the electricity grid operators. For energy consumption and the battery connection we engage with solar and wind developers and with industrial stakeholders. Once the BESS is in place, it operates across multiple electricity markets. In this way our batteries combine market optimization with a crucial role in the stability and reliability of the electricity system.
At Tethys we develop the BESS in a way that contributes to system integration and thus delivers the greatest possible social added value. We possess the knowledge of project development, the local and national context, the electricity markets, and the deployment of batteries. In this way we combine years of experience and maximize the potential of each project.