Recording of Monday, June 22, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 11:00 .

Innovations and Challenges in Battery Energy Storage Systems for Data Centers

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a crucial role in data centers, where optimal battery duration typically ranges from two to eight hours, influenced by specific use cases such as peak shaving and ramp rate control. Current systems predominantly employ lithium-ion technology, although alternative solutions like sodium and aqua-based batteries are gaining interest for their potential efficiency improvements. Liquid-cooled systems are also being explored to enhance cooling efficiency, crucial for managing heat output from modern servers. Challenges persist, as newer technologies face difficulties in financing and integrating into existing infrastructures, with lithium still dominating the market due to its reliability. Integration strategies for BESS occur at three levels: campus, building, and rack/server, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches for effective load management. As AI data centers adapt to various storage use cases, including backup power and peak shaping, the focus on innovation and overcoming economic barriers remains vital for future advancements.

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Talk of session: Powering AI: Data Centers Need Intelligent Energy Solutions: Why Not BESS?

Over the past few years, there has been consistent growth in the number of data centers. Immense further growth is expected in the coming years, mostly driven by artificial intelligence. The resulting increase in the demand for energy and grid connection capacity (approx. 80%), highly dynamic load profiles and sustainable backup solutions pose major challenges for operators and project developers. This session will highlight how battery storage is opening up new avenues toward a solution to this problem.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Dr. Kai-Philipp Kairies
CEO
ACCURE Battery Intelligence GmbH

To Talk

A New Market for BESS & E-Statcom: Smoothing AI Data-Center Load Patterns

Speaker

Dr. Ralf Bucher
European Chairperson
H&MV GmbH

To Talk

Use of Battery Storage Systems to Optimize the Grid Connection Capacity of Data Centers

Speaker

Dr. Simon Koch
Senior Project Manager
Arcadis Germany GmbH
Germany

To Talk

The Convergence of Power and AI Infrastructure, How Combined Energy Hubs With Generation, Storage and AI Data Centres Reduce Risk and Improve Returns for All Participants

Speaker

Liam Newcombe
SVP Product & Energy Strategy
Greenscale Data Centres
United Kingdom

To Talk