Power on Demand: How Mobile Battery Energy Storage Systems are Revolutionizing Industries
The future of power isn’t necessarily tethered to the grid.A growing trend – mobile Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – is bringing considerable, on-demand electricity directly to where it’s needed most, from remote construction sites to emergency response scenarios. this isn’t just a stopgap solution; it’s a fundamental shift in how we think about powering industries, and it’s being driven by rapid advancements in battery technology.
As Darren Tasker, Vice President at Volvo Penta, explains, the key is packing more energy into a transportable format. Volvo’s recent breakthroughs leverage nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) lithium-ion batteries, utilizing aluminum as the cathode. This innovation has enabled the creation of 90-kWh batteries, scalable enough to deliver a megawatt of power with just a couple of “six-packs” mounted on a semi-truck. These units aren’t fixed installations; they’re dispatched, recharged, and redeployed, perfectly suited for the dynamic nature of many work environments.”The definition of a construction site is that it is under construction,” Tasker points out – a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the need for adaptable power solutions.
(Image: The Volvo PU500 BESS offers a capacity of 540 kWh and can charge up to 3 heavy-duty trucks or 20 cars daily. – AB Volvo)
Beyond Construction: A Wide Range of Applications
The potential applications for mobile BESS are vast. Consider industries like forestry and mining, often operating in geographically isolated locations with limited or no grid access. Electrifying these operations isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about safety. In underground mining, such as, diesel-powered equipment generates perilous emissions requiring costly and complex ventilation systems. “The need to electrify underground mining machines is pretty strong,” Tasker emphasizes.”To have zero emissions underground is a great driver of new technology.” Mobile BESS provides a pathway to that zero-emission future without the massive upfront investment of permanent infrastructure.
This flexibility also addresses a notable barrier to entry for electrification: cost. Installing a dedicated EV charging station can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Mobile BESS offers a lower-risk, phased approach, allowing businesses to test the waters with electric equipment before committing to substantial infrastructure projects. We’re already seeing this in action,with Volvo clients utilizing mobile charging to support electric garbage trucks,forklifts,and loaders at ports.
Off-Grid Charging and the Future of EV Infrastructure
The trend extends to the consumer EV space as well.Tesla recently deployed a battery and solar installation to power a wholly off-grid Supercharger station along Interstate 5 in California, capable of simultaneously charging over 80 EVs. This demonstrates the viability of independent, renewable-powered charging networks, reducing reliance on traditional grid infrastructure.Looking ahead, Volvo is actively researching next-generation battery chemistries, including lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium-sulfur (Li-S), to further enhance performance and reduce costs.
The Cost challenge and the path Forward
Currently, the primary hurdle to widespread adoption remains cost. Tasker notes that mobile BESS power can, in certain specific cases, reach $1,000 per kilowatt-hour. While still often cheaper than building a permanent charging station, reducing this price point is crucial for unlocking broader applications. As battery technology matures and production scales, we can expect to see significant cost reductions in the coming years.
the recent diesel spill in Baltimore’s harbor serves as a stark reminder of the need for reliable emergency power solutions. The city’s initial reliance on diesel generators, while expedient, highlights the limitations of traditional backup systems. Now, Baltimore is exploring partnerships with companies like Power Up Connect to integrate mobile batteries into its emergency response plans – a sign that the future of disaster relief is increasingly electric.
Mobile BESS isn’t just a technological advancement; it’s a paradigm shift. It’s about bringing power to the point of need, enabling electrification in previously inaccessible locations, and building a more resilient and enduring energy future. It’s a dynamic field, and the innovations we’re seeing today are just the beginning.
