BESS Technology: A key enabler of an efficient and sustainable energy transition

The large-scale integration of renewable energy into the power system is critical to curbing climate change, and the need for efficient storage has emerged as a fundamental challenge. In this context, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are consolidating their role as a key technological solution for ensuring a stable electricity supply, optimising the use of clean energy sources, and accelerating global decarbonisation.

Renewable energy sources have the advantage of being inexhaustible, yet their production is variable and dependent on climatic factors such as solar radiation or wind conditions. This intermittency is one of the main obstacles to their widespread adoption in the power system. Here, BESS technology plays a pivotal role, enabling more efficient and flexible energy management while supporting the gradual replacement of fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil.

BESS enables surplus renewable energy generated during periods of low demand to be stored and later released when production drops or consumption peaks. This not only reduces reliance on polluting sources during critical times but also improves overall system efficiency and minimises losses.

Main advantages of BESS technology

Its main advantages include:

Optimised use of renewable energy: Energy produced during off-peak hours can be stored and used later, facilitating a greater integration of clean sources into the energy mix.

Reduced dependence on fossil fuels: With clean backup power available, there is less need to rely on thermal power stations during peak hours, contributing to a more sustainable energy transition.

Improved grid stability and power quality: BESS helps regulate key parameters such as frequency and voltage, reducing the risk of outages and enhancing the quality of electricity supply.

Versatility and economic efficiency: These systems can be deployed in a wide range of contexts—industrial, residential or off grid—and help cut operating costs by enabling smarter energy consumption management.

To achieve effective implementation of BESS technology, leading companies are turning to innovation as the driving force behind the cleantech ecosystem. This focus extends beyond battery enhancement to include the development of integrated software and hardware solutions that optimise electricity flow management. Innovation is therefore a decisive factor in increasing storage capacity, improving response times, and lowering deployment costs—making adoption broader and more efficient.

While lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market, the future of energy storage looks increasingly diverse and promising. Emerging technologies such as sodium batteries offer new possibilities in terms of capacity, cost and sustainability. At the same time, the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics is expected to forecast consumption and production patterns, optimising the performance of BESS. These innovations pave the way for a more flexible and resilient energy model.

BBVA CIB: a financial ally for cleantech and energy storage innovation

According to estimates by the International Energy Agency, global spending on grid-scale battery storage will reach USD 66 billion by 2025—a figure that underscores the rapid growth of technologies such as BESS. Cleantech is therefore consolidating its position as a key driver of global decarbonisation and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In this context, BBVA Corporate & Investment Banking (BBVA CIB) plays a vital role as a financial catalyst, promoting innovative solutions that strengthen the cleantech ecosystem. Through specialised advisory services and financing structures aligned with sustainability criteria, the bank channels capital towards projects with high environmental and social impact. A clear example is its support for BESS financing initiatives in Chile, the United States and the United Kingdom—demonstrating its strong commitment to energy transformation.

With its international presence and technical expertise, BBVA CIB positions itself as a strategic partner for companies and institutions at the forefront of the transition towards a more sustainable, resilient, and digital industrial model. Its ability to structure complex transactions and mobilise capital towards green initiatives makes it a key enabler of the shift to a low-carbon economy.