Dili Power Station Generator BESS

Let's now look at another option that's currently available, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and why it can replace diesel generators, which are estimated to provide over 20 gigawatts of backup power globally in the data center industry today.

Data centers and other critical facilities require long-term backup power, sometimes for days at a time, so if we're to have BESS as viable alternatives to diesel generators, then we must ensure their longevity.

In December of that same year, Google announced that it would be using large BESS to replace the diesel generators at one of its data centers in Belgium. Meta also announced in September 2022 the formation of a consortium to measure the emissions benefits of using large BESS.

As a low carbon alternative, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has been viewed as a viable option to replace traditional diesel-fuelled construction site equipment. You can gain a better understanding and more knowledge on BESS adoption by our advisory services and General Guideline on BESS Adoption for Construction Sites (PDF).

BESS functions as a “Power Amplifier” at construction sites when it is continuously charged, converting a small portion of temporary power supply to provide high output current for equipment with high instantaneous current requirements. BESS is best suited for following equipment with intermittent loads but high current requirement s.

We discussed how diesel generators, despite their well-documented long-term negative impacts on the environment, have been providing backup power to critical facilities for decades.