BESS in warehousing and distribution centres

21/11/2024

BESS

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can offset emissions and reliance on fossil fuels associated with Material Handling Equipment (MHE) by providing cleaner, more efficient energy sources to power electric MHE, reducing the use of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) equipment. Here’s how BESS can contribute to this transition and offset emissions related to MHE:

  1. Powering Electric Material Handling Equipment
  • Supporting Electrification of MHE: MHE like forklifts, pallet jacks, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) traditionally run on diesel, gasoline, or propane, contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution. By replacing fossil fuel-powered MHE with electric versions, powered by electricity stored in BESS, emissions can be significantly reduced. BESS provides a reliable energy source for charging these electric MHE, especially in facilities where renewable energy integration is possible.
  • Charging Flexibility: BESS allows for the charging of electric MHE during off-peak hours or during periods when renewable energy generation (e.g., solar or wind) is high. This reduces the carbon intensity of the electricity used by electric MHE, further decreasing overall emissions.
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  1. Peak Shaving and Energy Cost Reduction
  • Reducing Peak Demand Costs: Industrial facilities using MHE often face high electricity demand during operating hours, leading to peak demand charges from utilities. BESS can help mitigate these costs by discharging stored energy during peak demand periods, reducing the need for grid power. By offsetting peak electricity usage with stored energy, BESS can lower the cost of operating electric MHE and reduce the reliance on fossil-fuel-powered grid electricity.
  • Energy Arbitrage: Facilities can charge BESS during periods of low electricity demand (and lower emissions) and use the stored energy to power MHE during high-demand periods. This optimises energy use and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
  1. Backup Power for Critical Operations
  • Ensuring Continuity During Outages: In facilities where MHE is critical for operations (e.g., warehouses, manufacturing plants), BESS can provide backup power during grid outages. This ensures that electric MHE can continue to operate without needing to switch to diesel generators, which are typically used as backup power and contribute to emissions.
  • Grid Independence: BESS can provide off-grid or micro-grid solutions for facilities, allowing electric MHE to operate even in remote or grid-constrained locations. This reduces the need for fossil fuel generators, which are often used in such scenarios.
  1. Integrating Renewable Energy
  • Pairing BESS with Renewables: BESS can be paired with on-site renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, to power electric MHE. By storing renewable energy and using it to charge MHE, facilities can further reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. This combination of renewable energy and BESS creates a sustainable energy loop, minimising emissions from material handling operations.
  • Maximising Renewable Utilisation: In facilities with renewable energy generation capabilities, BESS can store excess energy during periods of high generation and ensure that electric MHE are charged with clean energy. This maximises the use of renewables and reduces the need for fossil fuel-based power during periods of low renewable generation.
  1. Reducing Emissions from MHE Operations
  • Direct Emissions Reduction: By powering electric MHE with energy stored in BESS rather than fossil fuel-based MHE, direct emissions from material handling operations can be significantly reduced. Electric MHE produce no tailpipe emissions, and when charged from a BESS that is powered by renewable energy, the overall carbon footprint of the equipment is minimal.
  • Indoor Air Quality Improvements: In indoor environments like warehouses and distribution centres, the use of fossil fuel-powered MHE can lead to poor air quality due to exhaust emissions. Switching to electric MHE, powered by BESS, can eliminate these emissions and improve working conditions, reducing the health risks associated with air pollution.
  1. Supporting Sustainability Goals
  • Corporate Sustainability Initiatives: Many companies are setting sustainability goals, including reducing their carbon footprints and improving energy efficiency. BESS can support these initiatives by enabling the shift to electric MHE, which is a key step in reducing emissions in material handling operations. By incorporating BESS, companies can further demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through the use of clean energy technologies.

Conclusion

Battery Energy Storage Systems can offset the emissions associated with Material Handling Equipment by enabling the shift to electric MHE, reducing peak electricity demand, integrating renewable energy, and providing backup power. By powering MHE with clean energy stored in BESS, facilities can significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, lower operating costs, and contribute to improved air quality and sustainability goals. This shift is particularly important for industrial and logistics operations aiming to reduce their environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency.