Energy storage advances amp up real estate

The fast-developing energy storage market is powering new opportunities for commercial real estate, from diversifying location choices to boosting companies’ revenue and eco-credentials.

The technology behind ion lithium batteries has taken big steps forward in recent years, making onsite (also known as behind the meter) energy storage a more viable, reliable and attractive option for all types of real estate.

Research by RenewableUK and the Solar Trade Association (STA) revealed that applications for storage portfolios rose to a combined total of almost 7000 MW in 2018 – a jump of around 5000 MW since 2012. Worldwide, the energy storage market is expected to be worth more than $100 billion by 2030, according to a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).