Energy Storage Systems: How Ukrainian Businesses Adapt to New Challenges

In Ukraine, where energy instability has become a new reality, businesses are faced with the necessity of implementing technologies that ensure autonomy and continuity of operations. In this context, energy storage systems (ESS) are emerging as a strategic tool for managing energy resources. Denis Kuzminsky, an expert from Schneider Electric, discusses how enterprises can choose effective solutions, what to consider when selecting a supplier, and how ESS helps maintain business stability.

Today, the ESS market in Ukraine is developing extremely actively. Enterprises of various sizes, from large manufacturing plants to small businesses, are seeking ways to ensure stable operations and optimize electricity costs. However, not all companies have a clear understanding of the return on investment for such solutions or are familiar with the technical specifications of the systems. The market is also characterized by a high saturation of offerings — there are systems from various manufacturers that differ in price and quality. Often, the choice is made solely based on price, without considering the importance of service support and the reliability of the components of energy storage systems.

Additionally, the market is witnessing an increase in equipment costs, which is linked to global fluctuations in prices for lithium, copper, and other materials. Therefore, when planning a project, businesses must take this trend into account in advance to avoid unforeseen expenses.

When choosing an energy storage system, it is essential to remember that this is a long-term investment in the energy resilience of the enterprise, not a temporary solution. Analogous to a car, a budget model may serve for a few years, while a more expensive yet higher-quality system can operate reliably for decades. The Schneider Electric expert advises that when making a selection, one should consider not only the price of the ESS per kilowatt-hour but also focus on the reliability and predictability of the system's operation, which directly depend on the level of technologies and integrated solutions used by the manufacturer.

It is also important to consider the role of service. Many suppliers lack the capability to provide after-sales support, which creates risks for the uninterrupted operation of the system. Schneider Electric offers a full service cycle — from design to maintenance, with the availability of spare parts, service teams, and regular equipment condition checks. Scheduled maintenance allows for timely replacement of components that experience loads and operate under harsh daily conditions, such as capacitors, microprocessor boards, and so on. Ultimately, such a strategy is more economically feasible and can support the operability of any equipment for decades.

For effective use of energy storage systems, it is important not only to install the equipment but also to use it as efficiently as possible through an automated monitoring and management system called Microgrid. The Microgrid system is an intelligent system that operates through software and hardware in a fully automated mode. Without automation, during power outages, enterprise staff had to manually switch the equipment to 'island' mode: starting and synchronizing cogeneration units (CGUs) with diesel generators (DGs), manually turning off non-critical loads and only powering necessary critical loads, and manually monitoring the load status and the heating status of DGs, CGUs, and other equipment. Typically, such switches led to unexpected results and failures in the operation of all equipment.

Thanks to the logic embedded in the Microgrid, the system automatically manages all sources of generation (the grid, CGUs, DGs, solar power plants, wind power plants, and others), monitors loads, performs synchronization of power sources, executes necessary switches, and optimizes energy distribution without operator involvement. The staff's task is reduced to monitoring operations, checking parameters, and, if necessary, making minor adjustments to settings via a software interface. This approach virtually eliminates the risk of human error, minimizes the likelihood of emergency situations, and ensures uninterrupted business operations even under challenging conditions. Through programmed algorithms, the Microgrid maintains stable operation of the energy system and extends its resources without the need for constant intervention.

In addition to technical specifications, it is worth evaluating the cybersecurity of the monitoring and management system. Many suppliers use cloud services, even those hosted outside Ukraine. This can create risks for the preservation of enterprise data and the stable operation of the enterprise's equipment. The expert recommends implementing local monitoring and management systems and choosing solutions that comply with international cybersecurity standards.

The implementation of energy storage systems is a lengthy process that requires planning. The overall cycle takes from 6 to 12 months. Therefore, enterprises planning to prepare for the upcoming periods of increased load on the energy system should start preparations in advance.

Energy storage systems offer several advantages for businesses. Firstly, they ensure operational continuity — supporting critical processes during outages. Secondly, there is economic benefit — the possibility of participating in electricity arbitrage: charging the battery at a lower rate and feeding energy back into the grid during peak consumption hours. Thirdly, supporting a local Microgrid — integrating various energy sources allows for reduced dependence on centralized electricity suppliers and enhances the overall efficiency of business processes.