Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are increasingly being positioned as essential infrastructure investments rather than purely financial assets, as seen in a series of strategic partnerships announced in late September that integrate storage with broader energy and digital infrastructure strategies.
Wärtsilä’s energy storage business will now operate under the new brand name Varo, following the close of the company’s joint venture (JV) with RCT Solar.
Three US utilities, Ameren Missouri, DTE Energy in Michigan, and Black Hills Energy in Colorado have recently submitted IRPs with highlighted BESS project additions.