Survey reveals BESS professionals are concerned about system reliability
Battery analytics software provider TWAICE, published results of an industry survey of battery energy storage system (BESS) professionals, that revealed serious concerns about system reliability.
For the BESS Pros Survey, TWAICE polled over 80 engineers, technicians, asset managers, and operators, seeking to understand their most pressing concerns. The majority worked with utility-scale batteries, with 61% expecting their total capacity to exceed 250 MWh within two years. A quick look at the results shows:
- 58% of respondents identified system performance and availability as top concerns
- 46% overall reported technical issues at least once a month. This figure rose to 53% among asset managers and an overwhelming 73% among operations and maintenance staff – those closest to actual system performance
With nearly half of all energy storage respondents experiencing frequent technical issues, the “BESS Pros Survey” throws a spotlight on widespread, recurring issues in the energy storage industry that prevent systems from performing at their best.
The performance discrepancy reported across different roles further suggests a potential disconnect between those focused on day-to-day operations and the rest of the organization – and underscores the need for a unified data strategy and improved communications among operational stakeholders.
BESS Pros Survey
Experts at TWAICE conducted the BESS industry survey between October and December 2024, collecting responses from 83 professionals from across EU and US. Most respondents came from independent power producers (35% of respondents); engineering, procurement, and construction firms (19%); and BESS integrators (17%).
ESS software shortcomings
The TWAICE survey also emphasized the diversity of technologies that respondents use to manage storage data. Only 55% of the respondents expressed satisfaction with capabilities provided by their current software stack based on manufacturer-supplied tools.
Instead, respondents are increasingly adopting more specialized software tools to address storage-specific challenges. This shift reflects a growing understanding that BESS operations require in-depth analytics, management, and optimization capabilities that more generic energy software may lack.
“The common thread across the survey is that the teams responsible for safeguarding operations and ensuring commercial success lack reliable and enriched data,” said Dr. Stephan Rohr, Founder and co-CEO at TWAICE. “As the industry transitions from simply delivering safe operations to actively monetizing storage assets, it’s crucial that we empower BESS professionals with the right tools for the job at hand. This includes access to data to proactively manage their BESS, mitigate risks, and capitalize on market opportunities with highly available assets.”
