BESS technology continues to advance, but the energy industry needs to change its thinking about O&M to capture the full potential, writes Jeremy Williams of IHI Power Services.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are rapidly becoming a foundational component of the renewable energy transition. Their ability to store and dispatch energy from intermittent sources such as wind and solar makes them indispensable to a more flexible, resilient grid.
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However, while BESS technologies have advanced considerably in recent years, reliability depends on far more than the sophistication of their hardware and software. The key to long-term performance lies in how well these assets are maintained.
Despite their growing prominence, BESS facilities are still widely misunderstood—particularly when it comes to operations and maintenance (O&M). Too often, these high-value systems are mistaken for self-sustaining technologies that require minimal oversight.
The idea that they can operate on a “set it and forget it” model persists, with some assuming routine software updates and remote diagnostics are enough to keep everything running smoothly. In reality, that mindset leads to premature degradation, costly equipment failures and preventable downtime.
Understanding the industry shift towards the wider adoption of BESS
The misconception stems, in part, from how BESS has been introduced to the market. Many developers and asset owners entered the space with expectations carried over from utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, where remote monitoring and scheduled annual maintenance are more common, and often sufficient.
On the surface, these parallels made sense, as both asset types support renewable integration, rely on power electronics, and are often marketed as low-maintenance solutions. But in practice, the operational demands of a BESS facility are fundamentally different and treating them as interchangeable has created a false sense of simplicity.
On the surface, these parallels made sense, as both asset types support renewable integration, rely on power electronics, and are often marketed as low-maintenance solutions. But in practice, the operational demands of a BESS facility are fundamentally different and treating them as interchangeable has created a false sense of simplicity.
Adding to the confusion, some original equipment manufacturers and integrators have bundled BESS with service packages modelled after PV O&M practices to keep total cost of ownership projections low.
While this strategy may make bids more competitive, it glosses over the nuanced and labour-intensive nature of battery storage operations. What gets overlooked in the process is the fact that BESS is not just a bank of batteries—it is a fully functioning energy facility, with its own risk profile, infrastructure requirements and maintenance complexities.
To manage these assets effectively, the industry must shift its perspective. A BESS facility demands a different O&M approach—one that is proactive, hands-on and grounded in real-world operational insight. Simply put, successful energy storage is not determined by the technology alone, but by the quality of care behind it.
Dispelling common misconceptions about BESS operations
As the industry works to better understand the real-world demands of BESS, it is important to address two of the most common misconceptions that continue to shape how these systems are managed.
Myth #1: BESS facilities can operate without on-site staff
At first glance, it may seem that BESS operations can be handled remotely—after all, battery systems can be charged and discharged through energy trading platforms, scheduling software or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. However, while digital tools enable remote control, they cannot replace the value of a physical, on-site presence.
Daily operations at utility-scale BESS sites involve far more than dispatch commands. Routine maintenance, compliance inspections, environmental checks and unexpected equipment anomalies all require immediate, hands-on attention.
Additionally, lithium-ion battery systems carry inherent safety risks that must be actively managed. Thermal events, battery degradation, and system malfunctions can also escalate quickly without trained personnel on-site to intervene.
A full-time presence is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The volume and complexity of required activities demand that BESS facilities be treated with the same operational seriousness as conventional power plants. Establishing this standard industry-wide is essential for both safety and performance.
Myth #2: Any technician or firm can manage BESS operations
Another prevailing assumption is that BESS O&M is a commoditised service—interchangeable among contractors, firms or rotating technicians. This belief underestimates the intricacy of battery energy storage and the importance of site-specific expertise.
Unlike solar or wind facilities, which often operate in more predictable environments, BESS facilities are silent, enclosed and densely packed with highly sensitive equipment. The conditions create a unique challenge and without consistent familiarity, even seasoned technicians may overlook subtle indicators of system stress or degradation.
Dedicated operators, on the other hand, develop an intimate understanding of the site’s equipment, behaviors and baseline performance. This familiarity enables technicians to detect even the most subtle anomalies—such as shifts in the hum of a transformer or fluctuations in temperature readings—that may not trigger alarms but signal underlying issues.
Consistency not only improves response time but also builds a sense of ownership and accountability that is difficult to replicate with a rotating support model.
Why dedicated O&M teams make all the difference
Staffing a BESS site with full-time, trained personnel yields measurable benefits. Beyond basic operations, dedicated teams bring legacy knowledge, observational acuity and an elevated standard of care that directly improves asset performance.
Consider a real-world example from a facility managed by IHI Power Services Corp (IPSC):
Over the course of two years, dedicated site operators identified three failing bushings before they resulted in critical equipment failure. Each incident was caught not through automated alerts, but through hands-on inspection and real-time judgement.
The early interventions saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment replacement costs and avoided extended downtime. These savings alone justified the cost of a dedicated site team—and they represent only a fraction of the potential value.
The same operators are often able to identify signs of wear in inverters or battery modules long before failures occur. These preemptive insights do more than protect assets—they preserve system availability, safeguard revenue and contribute to a safer work environment.
Elevating safety to a core operational priority
Safety must be integrated into every layer of BESS operations. In contrast to solar or wind facilities that follow natural cycles, BESS operates continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This around-the-clock functionality means battery storage systems must be managed with the same rigour and responsiveness as a traditional power plant.
On-site operators play a critical role in emergency response. Whether addressing a battery malfunction, electrical fire, or system failure, having trained personnel on location enables rapid, informed action that protects the facility, staff, and surrounding communities. Response time matters, especially given the volatility of lithium-ion systems under stress.
A mature safety programme should include detailed incident response protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), ongoing staff training and regular emergency drills.
It is also essential for site managers to establish strong relationships with local fire departments and emergency services. These partnerships improve coordination in critical moments and provide mutual understanding of the site’s layout, risks and safety procedures.
Ultimately, safety is not only about compliance—it is about building a culture of awareness, accountability and readiness that ensures the long-term viability of the asset.
Building the future of BESS through O&M excellence
The promise of BESS is undeniable. As renewable energy adoption accelerates, the role of battery storage will become even more vital in balancing supply and demand, supporting grid stability and enabling decarbonisation goals. However, fulfilling this promise depends on how the industry manages these assets—not just from a technological standpoint, but from an operational one.
It is time for the industry to shift its mindset. BESS is not simply an energy innovation; it is a complex infrastructure investment that requires expertise, commitment and ongoing attention.
Owners and developers who recognise this early and invest in the appropriate O&M strategies will be best positioned to maximise performance, protect their assets, and lead the next generation of energy innovation.
With the right approach, BESS will not only store power—it will empower progress.
About the Author
Jeremy Williams is the Senior Commercial Manager at IHI Power Services Corp., where he provides strategic oversight of business operations, developing comprehensive operational plans and constructing proposals that align with client needs and organisational goals. He brings over a decade of operational leadership experience, with a strong focus on battery energy storage systems (BESS), biomass, and other renewable energy technologies. In his previous role as Regional Manager, he successfully managed the startup and ongoing O&M of a BESS portfolio representing over 575MW and 1,750MWh.
