• Dagong ESS

Why Are Energy Storage Systems Scaling from kWh to GWh?

What Is Large-Scale ESS and Why Is It Important?

Large-scale energy storage systems (ESS) are designed to store and deliver electricity at utility or industrial scale, bridging the gap between renewable generation and energy demand.

For example, Canada recently broke ground on its largest battery system at 1.86 GWh, demonstrating a global trend toward GWh-scale energy storage.

Large-scale ESS is critical for:

• Smoothing variable renewable output

• Providing grid ancillary services

• Shifting peak loads

• Supporting decarbonization goals

Types of Large-Scale ESS 

Scaling ESS from kWh to GWh requires modular and containerized approaches.

Common types include:

• Rack-mounted ESS (5–30 kWh) for residential and small commercial sites

• C&I Air-Cooled Systems (100–241 kWh)

• Liquid-Cooled Industrial ESS (215–372 kWh)

• Containerized ESS (3.35–5 MWh) for utility-scale projects

Containerized systems enable easier transportation, modular expansion, and rapid on-site deployment.

Features of Scalable ESS

Key technical features enabling scale-up:

• Modular architecture for flexible sizing

• Interchangeable air-cooled or liquid-cooled modules

• Advanced BMS and remote monitoring

• High cycle life (8000+ cycles)

• Compatibility with multiple applications: solar, wind, hybrid

Large-scale ESS such as 3.35 MWh liquid-cooled containers or 5 MWh air-cooled containers ensure efficient energy distribution across MW–GWh projects.

Applications of Large-Scale ESS

Large-scale ESS applications include:

• Utility-scale renewable integration

• Microgrids and islanded communities

• Industrial peak shaving and backup

• Energy trading and arbitrage

• Grid stabilization and frequency control

Modular systems like 215kWh air-cooled ESS can be combined to reach hundreds of MWh, while containerized solutions like 5MWh air-cooled ESS are ideal for multi-MWh projects.

Price of Large-Scale ESS

Prices depend on:

• System size and capacity

• Cooling method

• Integration complexity

• Certification and safety standards

Integrators provide custom quotations after evaluating project specifications including energy throughput, discharge duration, and installation site.

How to Select Large-Scale ESS?

Considerations for scaling up:

• Desired storage capacity (kWh → MWh → GWh)

• Cooling compatibility with local climate

• Modularity and expandability

• Integration with renewable assets

• Maintenance and serviceability

Industrial liquid-cooled ESS modules (215kWh, 372kWh) are recommended for high-density deployment, while containerized systems (3.35–5 MWh) are suitable for utility-scale expansion.

How Long Do Large-Scale ESS Last?

Modern LFP-based ESS:

• 8000+ cycles

• 15–20 years operational life

• Low degradation rate

This lifespan ensures return on investment for utility-scale and industrial projects.

The Supplier of Large-Scale ESS

Key supplier capabilities:

Provide modular MW–GWh scale solutions

Support both air-cooled and liquid-cooled technologies

Deliver reliable LFP battery systems with long life

Offer complete project engineering and commissioning support

Dagong ESS offers a full range of solutions from 100kWh–372kWh modules to 3.35–5MWh containerized systems, meeting diverse large-scale project requirements worldwide.

If you are interested in large-scale energy storage system products, please contact Dagong ESS,Email: sales@dagongess.com