Mobile energy is poised to make a significant impact on global energy demand. The same forces that drove the growth of mobile communication, like network effects and incremental improvements in silicon technology and lithium-ion battery density, are driving the emergence of clean mobile power.

Unlike diesel generators, mobile BESS operate almost silently and can be safely operated indoors. This enables construction companies to unlock the full sustainability benefits of electric equipment without waiting years for possible technology advances.

Powering the Future of Entertainment

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of companies turned to mobile energy storage systems to help power operations. These systems operate virtually silently and eliminate the disruptive noise that diesel generators emit, allowing clearer communication on construction job sites, better experiences for live events attendees and more productive film shoots.

Additionally, battery systems reduce the amount of fuel needed for operation and require less maintenance than diesel generators. Combined with EV charging stations that enable two-way energy transport and discharging, these batteries can also support the grid as a resource to service peak demand and voltage regulation in certain zones. Find out more at betl.

The companies selected to participate in this cohort will receive bespoke, industry-centric mentorship; opportunities to test and pilot their technology with production studios, streamers and equipment vendors; investor introductions; and more. This enables them to rapidly scale their technologies to serve entertainment production hotspots globally and transform the way they work with zero-emissions mobile energy.

Boosting Small Grid Connections

Grid congestion is a major challenge for many industries that require temporary off-grid power. Traditionally, diesel generators provide the solution but are expensive and emit harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides.

Mobile energy storage systems are a cost-effective alternative that can reduce operational costs for operators. They can be charged with inexpensive grid electricity at peak times, then dispatched locally when needed to form a microgrid.

Moreover, unlike noisy diesel generators, they operate silently, allowing workers to communicate more effectively and enhance the experience of attendees at live events, film production and disaster relief efforts. Additionally, enabling EV’s to function as both a power transporter and a battery with two-way charging/discharging capabilities allows them to contribute energy services such as voltage regulation within specific zones of the grid. This is a key factor for achieving grid stability and increasing regional connectivity.

Electrifying Off-Grid Communities

Across the globe, there are millions of buildings that do not have access to electricity. In areas where grid extension isn’t economically feasible, innovative solutions are gaining traction as alternatives to diesel generators, including solar home systems and mobile-based microgrids (shown above).

These clean energy technologies deliver on the promise of a low carbon future by storing inexpensive off-peak grid power and dispatching it onsite when needed. They also eliminate the need for diesel fuel and reduce maintenance costs.

And unlike loud diesel generators, mobile energy storage is quiet – helping to promote clearer communication on construction jobsites and disaster relief efforts, more productive environments at live events and better experiences for film productions. Ultimately, these new technologies can help address the underlying demand for temporary electricity and help achieve global net-zero emissions goals.

Serving as Bridge Infrastructure for Utilities

As there’s often a multi-year lag between a customer requesting an upgraded utility connection and project completion, mobile battery storage can help bridge the gap. This flexible capacity allows utilities to earn revenue sooner from the improved connections and also helps customers meet demand growth in the interim as grid upgrades progress.

Energy companies are prioritizing technology that can improve operational efficiency and reduce cost. IoT is helping to enable smarter monitoring of assets and better communication with the grid. 5G is enabling faster and more reliable connectivity between sites and the utility grid.

EVs can boost the resilience posture of facilities and decarbonize emergency generation. This is done by pairing an EV-based power storage system with a diesel generator, optimizing the operation of both to balance the load and reduce running hours and fuel consumption. The resulting hybrid system also maximizes the use of sustainable energy and reduces emissions. This is particularly important for sites aiming for carbon neutrality goals.