ABB offers battery storage as a service

26.05.2025

Source: E & M powernews

With a new service model, ABB wants to enable the use of battery storage systems without an initial investment and thus remove hurdles for companies.

The Swiss energy technology company ABB has introduced a new service model for battery energy storage systems (BESS). This solution is designed to make it easier for companies to access energy storage systems by eliminating the need for high initial investments. Under the name "BESS-as-a-Service", ABB is offering a service that covers all components from planning and operation through to market integration.

The offer is aimed at companies from various sectors, such as data centers, logistics, transport and commercial real estate. By paying a quarterly service fee, these companies can use battery storage systems without having to provide capital for acquisition and installation. According to the company, the solution includes the technical equipment, software, operation and maintenance as well as the connection to energy markets. ABB is also responsible for optimizing the use of the storage system and promises its customers guaranteed returns from the first day of operation.

The solution is intended to help transform investment costs into predictable operating expenses. In doing so, the company wants to respond to a key obstacle that many companies face when introducing storage solutions: capital commitment. ABB assures that the technology is designed to be technology-neutral so that different battery types can be integrated.

Marketing of surplus energy planned

Another component of the offer is performance guarantees and the handling of energy management processes such as participation in the energy market. According to ABB, the marketing of surplus energy could generate additional income. The service fee also covers the costs of maintenance and market integration, which should make it easier for customers to plan.

Stuart Thompson, Head of ABB's Electrification Service division, emphasizes the business motivation behind the offer: "Many customers are fundamentally willing to implement new technologies to reduce emissions and costs, but see themselves held back by investment hurdles. The new service model is intended to increase resilience, reduce peak loads and open up a new source of income.

ABB refers to figures from the International Energy Agency (IEA), according to which global storage capacities are expected to increase more than sixfold by 2030. An increase to 560 million kWh is forecast for industrial and commercial storage systems. According to ABB, this development shows that storage solutions play a central role in the energy transition - both in terms of security of supply and economic opportunities.

Feasibility study to ensure economic viability

According to ABB, a feasibility study is carried out before a system is installed. This is to ensure that the use of the storage system actually leads to direct economic benefits. It is also stated that this analysis is a prerequisite for the conclusion of a contract.

ABB is working together with several partners from the fields of energy monitoring, data analysis and financial modeling for the technical and economic implementation. In this way, the company claims to ensure that the solutions are tailored to the specific application.

Author: Davina Spohn