Early Identification and Contractual Protection of Risks at the End of Lifecycle of BESS

premium account

Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 17:23 .

Navigating Legal Complexities in BESS Projects: Essential Risk Management and Compliance Strategies

The speaker, a lawyer from a mid-sized law firm in Berlin and Hamburg, delves into the intricacies of legal agreements concerning Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). They underscore the importance of understanding contractual risks when engaging with project developers and manufacturers. Key considerations include evaluating counterpart credibility, ensuring obligations' enforceability based on geographic location, and tailoring contracts to specific situations rather than adopting generic solutions. The choice of applicable laws is crucial; for instance, German law might be more suitable than Chinese due to complexity issues. Contracts should encompass payment structures like SPA milestones and warranties while addressing end-of-lifetime responsibilities under EU regulations. Regular reviews every five years are recommended to ensure compliance by counterparts. Security measures such as escrow accounts or collaterals can mitigate risks related to company insolvency or environmental liabilities at project's end-of-life stage. Additionally, recycling obligations must align with both local (German) requirements and broader EU standards. In international business dealings involving BESS systems specifically, it is vital to assess potential risks thoroughly before finalizing contracts to prevent future complications effectively.

Automated summarization by AI Conver

Dr. Florian Brahms
Lawyer
Brahms Nebel & Kollegen
Germany

It's like choosing a partner for life—appearances can be deceiving, and risks may only surface later. Selecting a BESS is more than just a technical decision; it requires long-term quality and risk management for manufacturers and operators. This session explores key challenges beyond initial performance. The Presentations will highlight real-world case studies on BMS limitations, insurance perspectives on risk mitigation, and the evolving role of manufacturers in ensuring safety and sustainability. Attendees will gain insights into BESS risk management, enabling them to optimize system performance and ensure regulatory alignment.

Further Talks of this session:

Speaker

Patrick Zank
Senior Battery Consultant & Business Development Manager
VDE Renewables GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Speaker

Gunther Kellermann
Managing Director
ZVEI - German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturer Association
Germany

Recording was not authorized for publication.

Speaker

Michael Strobel
Business Director Europe
Guangzhou Great Power Energy & Technology Co., Ltd
China

To Talk

Speaker

Claudius Jehle
CEO
volytica diagnostics GmbH
Germany

To Talk

To Talk

Further Content
Anna Darmani, Principal Analyst from Wood Mackenzie
Big BESS Is Here to Save the Day

The smarter E Podcast Episode 246 | Language: English

January 8, 2026

Utility-scale batteries are booming in Europe. Discover key BESS trends, market impacts, and what to expect for large-scale storage in 2026.

Publications
European Market Outlook for Battery Storage 2025–2029

Comprehensive analysis of Europe’s battery storage market – now available for download

Julian Jansen, Fluence and Michael Schreiber, Octopus Energy
The Resilient Energy System: Security in a Changing World

The smarter E Podcast Episode 219 | Language: English

May 29, 2025

Julian Jansen and Michael Schreiber discuss energy security, grid stability and the robustness of the European electricity grid

Irene Guerra Gil, Mark Bruno
Staying Home, with Smart Energy Management

The smarter E Podcast Episode 245 | Language: English

December 11, 2025

Irene Guerra Gil and Mark Bruno explain how smart home energy systems and building initiatives cut costs and emissions.

The smarter E Europe Exhibition Program 2025
DC Microgrids as the Next Frontier in Grid Modernization and DER Integration

Wednesday, May 07, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:25 pm

The smarter E Europe Exhibition Program 2025 | Exhibition Program

premium account

Discover how next-gen distribution grid technologies are addressing the challenges of renewable integration and dynamic energy demands. This session offers insights into the latest developments in AI-driven data analytics and the transformative role of IoT in grid management.

You are using an outdated browser

The website cannot be viewed in this browser. Please open the website in an up-to-date browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.