What is Bespoke Storage
Bespoke solutions are the largest BESS’s, typically over 20 MW/ 100 MWh, either built into existing buildings, or in purpose built “Storage Stations”. Typical examples of such storage stations are the 15MW/ 60MWh system built by Sumitomo in Japan, or the 200MW/ 800 MWh systems under construction by RKPI and VRB Energy in China. Should your needs be of this very large size, initial designs and costings can be done locally by Bushveld Energy, with final design, warranty and pricing coming from a joint venture with the OEM, so that local content is maximised.
Clients for such Bespoke systems, which show significant economies of scale, would typically be large mines, power utilities (particularly for re-purposing mothballed and disused former power stations) and other large energy users. Bespoke systems can even be coupled with very large pumped hydro storage to provide rapid response support, from the battery system, whilst the huge energy capacities of the pumped hydro are used for even longer duration storage.
As Standalone systems become larger, it may be advantageous, both from an operating and capital cost perspective to consider Bespoke systems. A 20MW/ 80MWh BESS will consist of over 200 forty-foot containers. At this stage a purpose designed and built storage station can provide a far more elegant solution.
Applicable Sectors
Renewable Independent Power Producers
All the benefits demonstrated above of incorporating a BESS into a new or existing IPP remain, but as the size increases, economies of scale can be achieved by using Bespoke solutions. Bespoke Energy Storage can be built into an IPP project upfront, or can be added, in stages, after the event.
Bushveld Energy is involved with all the Bespoke system suppliers, both as vanadium and electrolyte suppliers and co-developers. Specific Bespoke systems can be developed for IPP’s with a uniquely IPP focused benefit stream, or as joint ventures between IPP’s and the transmission provider. Benefits include being able to reduce peak loading on transmission lines, thereby allowing greater energy transmission, throughout the day and load shifting for additional revenue generation, with energy generated during optimum wind or solar conditions only being despatched at times of peak demand.
Bespoke systems can be large enough to affect the whole grid planning. Many of the benefits may accrue to the utility, who could expect the IPP to pay for the installation. Hence discussions with the both the generation utility and transmission carrier can lead to an improved project. Optimum location of such Bespoke Energy Storage Systems is vital to achieving the maximum mutual benefits.
Utility
Many utility applications are so large that they demand Bespoke solutions. Generally, as situations require larger storage solutions, containerised solutions become cumbersome. Typically, a 20MW/ 80MWh storage solution will require 200 forty-foot containers. If the storage facility is to be gradually increased this represents an efficient means of achieving an elegant solution. However, if the required starting outcome is of a similar size, it may be a better option to install a Bespoke system from the outset. Bushveld Energy’s specialised Energy Storage team can advise you in this regard and can design a specific Bespoke solution for your needs.
Bespoke systems can also be increased incrementally, as with any other form of BESS, although the incremental steps are generally large, typically 20MW/ 80MWh per system.
