BESS for factories in Mexico: How to optimize energy management and reduce costs?

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have become an increasingly important technology for addressing challenges in the energy sector related to optimizing electricity consumption in factories, mitigating the effects of supply interruptions, and making better use of electricity rates.

In Mexico, according to figures from the Ministry of Energy (SENER), the industrial sector accounts for approximately 30% of total electricity consumption. Therefore, adopting electrical infrastructure solutions such as BESS can make a difference in the profitability of operations and energy efficiency, which are being promoted by authorities in every country.

What is a BESS and how does it benefit factories in Mexico?

A BESS is a technological solution that allows electrical energy to be stored in batteries for later use, seeking to optimize consumption. These BESS systems incorporate essential components such as batteries, inverters, transformers, and control systems. All these elements work together to optimize energy flow, adapting to the specific needs of each industrial facility, reducing operating costs, and increasing supply reliability.

The most important part of these systems is the control system, also called EMS (Energy Management System). The EMS is the software that tells the system how and when to charge and discharge the batteries, depending on how the system is used (backup, demand control, peak shaving, load shifting, renewable energy reliability, etc.).

In Mexico, the Program for the Development of the National Electric System (PRODESEN) highlights the importance of technologies such as BESS to ensure the stability and efficiency of the country’s electric system, especially with the growing incorporation of renewable energy sources.

Why do factories need a BESS system?

In Mexico, where the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) applies differentiated hourly rates for businesses, such as GDMTH (demand exceeding 100 kW per month), DIST, and DIT rates, a BESS can generate significant savings by avoiding or reducing consumption and demand during high-cost hours. This is because BESS systems allow for:

• Store energy during low demand hours (when rates are lower) and use it during peak hours (when rates are higher).
• Control demand peaks so as not to exceed contracted demand.
• Store energy to provide backup power for operational continuity in the event of power outages or blackouts.
• Stabilize the electrical grid in the event of voltage fluctuations or outages, improving the stability and quality of the electrical supply.
• Integrate renewable sources, such as solar panels, maximizing their use.

Learn more about the benefits your company can obtain by implementing a BESS system and also find out about the wide range of applications these systems have in different industrial and energy sectors.

How can a BESS transform your factory’s operations?

By adopting a BESS system, factories can have a transformative impact on their daily operations that is directly reflected in energy efficiency practices, which translates into reduced equipment maintenance, avoided plant downtime, and ultimately lower electricity bills.

Other ways in which a company that implements BESS technologies can transform its operations include:

• Process optimization, as constant energy availability allows for more efficient planning of production processes.
• Reduced downtime, as having a backup power source minimizes production interruptions due to power failures.
• Reduced investment in equipment and cards damaged by power failures.
• Operational flexibility to adapt to changes in demand or market conditions thanks to the ability to store and manage the energy consumed.
• Demand control for companies whose contracted demand is lower than that required for the proper operation of the plant.
• Resilience to weather events, as in regions prone to extreme events such as storms or hurricanes, BESS can provide critical backup power to keep operations running.

How to choose the best BESS for your factory in Mexico?

Investing in a BESS is not only a smart financial decision, but also a strategic step toward energy efficiency and industrial competitiveness in Mexico. Some factors to consider when choosing the BESS your factory needs are:

1. Capacity and power: determine the specific energy needs of the factory to select a system with the appropriate capacity and power.
2. Battery technology: Evaluate the available materials (lithium-ion, lead-acid, etc.) based on their efficiency, service life, and costs.
3. Service life and ROI: BESS systems are considered high-cost technologies; however, the return on investment is usually 3 years on average, with a service life of up to 20 years. Therefore, these are projects that make financial sense for any company.
4. Supplier: When choosing a BESS system, it is essential to have a supplier with experience in the energy sector who understands how the system impacts the customer’s consumption and grid. It is preferable that the same company supplies both the hardware and the control software, and that it has full control over the latter to ensure operation tailored to specific needs. In addition, it should be a solid company, capable of backing the system warranty throughout its useful life.

In short, adapting technologies such as energy storage systems (BESS) is a decision that, in addition to the factors mentioned above, should be made with the advice and support of experts in industrial projects. At Industronic, we are certified suppliers with extensive experience in the sector. In addition, we provide technical support, control software, and maintenance services to ensure optimal system performance over time. Contact us!