The term ‘Net Zero’ refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere, achieved through emission reductions and offset strategies. For businesses, this means taking steps to reduce their fossil fuel carbon footprint whilst investing in renewable energy as the most effective way to achieve net zero sustainability goals.
The urgency is evident. According to a 2023 report by the European Commission, over 70% of European companies have set net zero targets, but less than half are on track to meet them by 2050. Challenges like energy price volatility, regulatory pressures and technological barriers underscore the complexity of the transition. Yet, the potential benefits, ranging from enhanced brand reputation to long-term cost savings, are too significant to ignore.
A critical enabler of the net zero transition, significantly contributing to achieving corporate net zero goals, is energy storage, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). By harnessing the power of stored energy, businesses can maximise renewable energy use, reduce dependency on fossil fuels and ensure grid stability, even during peak demand. Energy storage doesn’t just support sustainability; it optimises operations, cuts costs and drives corporate resilience.
Read » How to Create a Sustainable Energy Strategy
Energy storage as an enabler to achieving net zero goals
Energy storage plays a pivotal role in helping businesses achieve their net zero goals, acting as the bridge between renewable energy generation and practical, day-to-day energy usage.
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels
One of the most significant impacts of energy storage is its ability to minimise dependence on fossil fuels. Traditionally, businesses have relied on grid power derived from non-renewable energy sources to meet increasing demands.
With energy storage, companies can store surplus renewable energy, such as solar or wind, during periods of high production and use it when generation is low or demand peaks. As an example, Wattstor’s DC-coupled BESS enhances this process by directly connecting solar PV systems to storage, reducing potential energy losses and increasing the efficiency of renewable energy capture.
Maximises renewable energy generation
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are inherently intermittent, often generating power when demand is low or weather conditions are favourable. Without a way to store this excess energy, much of it goes to waste. Energy storage systems solve this problem by capturing surplus energy and making it available when needed.
For example, a commercial facility can store solar energy during the day and use it to power operations at night, ensuring consistent renewable energy utilisation and reducing the need for backup fossil fuel power.
Podium, Wattstor’s smart Energy Management System (EMS) helps optimise this process by monitoring energy generation and usage in real time, ensuring businesses can use every kilowatt of renewable energy they generate.
Overcomes grid connection constraints
For many businesses, grid network connection constraints represent a bottleneck in expanding renewable energy adoption. Limited grid capacity can restrict how much renewable energy a company can generate or use on-site.
Wattstor’s DC-coupled systems and expertise in grid constraint management enable businesses to install significantly larger solar PV arrays than traditional setups allow. This capability ensures that renewable energy potential is maximised, even in areas with stringent grid limitations.
Peak shaving and load shifting
Managing energy costs is a critical priority for most organisations, and energy storage delivers measurable financial benefits through strategies like peak shaving and load shifting. Peak shaving involves using stored energy during periods of high demand to avoid peak pricing, significantly reducing electricity costs.
Similarly, load shifting allows businesses to store energy when prices are low – such as at night – and use it during high-cost periods. Wattstor’s EMS platform (Podium) automates these strategies, ensuring energy usage is optimised for both cost savings and sustainability.
Corporate benefits of implementing energy storage
Integrating energy storage systems into corporate sustainability strategies offers a multitude of advantages that extend beyond environmental stewardship.
Carbon emission reduction
Energy storage systems enable companies to maximise the utilisation of renewable energy sources reducing reliance on fossil fuels, directly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that energy efficiency measures, including the adoption of ESS, could deliver a reduction in annual energy-related emissions of 3.5 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent, accounting for over 40% of the abatement required to align with the Paris Agreement targets.
Cost savings and long-term ROI
Implementing energy storage solutions can lead to significant cost savings for businesses. By engaging in practices such as peak shaving, companies can avoid peak pricing and reduce energy expenses. Additionally, load shifting allows the use of stored energy during periods of high-cost electricity, further optimising energy expenditures.
A study by the Carbon Trust indicates that the integration of energy storage into the UK’s electricity system could unlock system cost savings of up to £2.4 billion annually by 2030. If even half of these savings were passed on to consumers, it could reduce the average household electricity bill by up to £50 a year.
Energy independence and security resilience
Energy storage systems provide businesses with greater control over their energy usage, enhancing resilience against grid disruptions and price volatility. By storing energy generated on-site, companies can ensure a continuous power supply during outages or periods of high demand, maintaining operational continuity.
This energy autonomy not only safeguards against external uncertainties but also contributes to a more stable and reliable energy infrastructure. As reported by PwC, the evolving energy landscape presents opportunities for organisations to manage their energy demand proactively, creating value and enhancing sustainability and resilience.
Case studies for achieving net zero goals
Implementing energy storage solutions has enabled numerous organisations to make significant strides toward their net zero objectives. Below are detailed case studies highlighting how Wattstor have supported these transitions.
Mawdsleys: Net zero through solar optimisation
Mawdsleys, the UK’s largest independent pharmaceutical distributor, aimed to generate sufficient electricity to meet or exceed their consumption for a new temperature-controlled warehouse. Faced with grid constraints limiting their solar PV installation to 750 kW – insufficient to meet their 1.5 GWh annual consumption target – they partnered with Wattstor to implement a DC-coupled BESS. This system allowed them to maximise solar generation, store excess energy, and future-proof their operations for potential load increases, such as the integration of electric vehicles.
As a result, Mawdsleys achieved net zero energy consumption for the facility and anticipates “net-zero” energy bills annually.
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HENNLICH: Intensive Energy User to Carbon-Neutral
HENNLICH, an international manufacturer and distributor of industrial components, sought to de-carbonise its operations and enhance energy resilience at its Litoměřice facility in the Czech Republic. Collaborating with Wattstor, they installed a comprehensive energy system comprising a 600 kWp rooftop solar PV array, a 2 MWh BESS, and an advanced Energy Management System (EMS). This setup enabled HENNLICH to produce sufficient renewable energy for self-consumption and to participate in energy trading by exporting surplus electricity to the grid.
The project not only reduced their carbon footprint but also served as a proof of concept for offering similar solutions to their clients.
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Big Yellow Storage: Advancing Toward Sustainable Energy
Big Yellow Storage, a leading self-storage company, is in the process of integrating renewable energy solutions to support its sustainability goals. While specific details of their project are forthcoming, their commitment to adopting energy storage and management systems underscores the growing trend among corporations to invest in technologies that facilitate the transition to net zero emissions.
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Conclusion
Achieving corporate net zero goals requires actionable solutions that address energy efficiency, renewable integration, and carbon reduction. Energy storage has emerged as a critical enabler, helping businesses reduce reliance on fossil fuels, maximise renewable energy generation, overcome grid constraints, and lower energy costs through advanced strategies like peak shaving and load shifting.
Wattstor’s innovative offerings and funding support, including DC-coupled energy storage systems and the Integrated Energy Management System (EMS), are purpose-built to tackle these challenges. With a proven track record of success, Wattstor empowers businesses to transition seamlessly to sustainable energy practices while achieving measurable environmental and financial benefits.
Ready to take the next step in your net zero journey? Partner with Wattstor to unlock the full potential of energy storage and accelerate your path to sustainability. Contact us today to learn how our tailored solutions can transform your energy strategy.