What's the market price for containerized battery energy storage? How much does a grid connection cost? And what are standard O&M rates for storage? Finding these figures is challenging. Because of this, Modo Energy surveyed the battery community - to produce this battery cost benchmark.
Given the range of factors that influence the cost of a 1 MW battery storage system, it's difficult to provide a specific price. However, industry estimates suggest that the cost of a 1 MW lithium-ion battery storage system can range from $300 to $600 per kWh, depending on the factors mentioned above.
While it's difficult to provide an exact price, industry estimates suggest a range of $300 to $600 per kWh. By staying informed about technological advancements, taking advantage of economies of scale, and utilizing government incentives, you can help reduce the overall cost of your battery storage system.
What is lithium ion battery technology?
Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery technology is making its inroads into high availability applications, including data centers. Failure of a data center's uninterruptable power supply (UPS) system can lead to substantial economic and customer/user satisfaction losses.
O&M costs are typically lower for lithium-ion systems due to fewer moving parts, but they should still be factored into your long-term budget. Modern BESS solutions often include sophisticated software that helps manage energy storage, optimize usage, and extend battery life.
Are lithium-ion batteries more expensive than solid-state batteries?
As mentioned, lithium-ion batteries are popular but more expensive. Newer technologies like solid-state batteries promise higher performance at potentially lower costs in the future, but they are still in the developmental stage. Government incentives, rebates, and tax credits can significantly reduce BESS costs.
How are Li-ion batteries transported?
Transportation of Li-ion batteries is governed by the requirements of UN3840 (Class 9). Li-ion batteries cannot be shipped on a passenger plane and air or ocean transportation requires that the battery be up to 30% charged. Due to the difference in battery chemistries, storage and transportation temperatures vary significantly.