Storing electricity without batteries: Smart alternatives for industry
In a changing energy system, the ability to store and control energy is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage - especially for industrial companies. But this does not always require classic battery storage systems. Companies can store electricity without batteries - by intelligently utilizing existing systems and processes.
Why energy storage is becoming increasingly important for companies
The framework conditions of the energy market and regulations are changing – and are making energy storage systems increasingly indispensable:
Fluctuations in electricity prices are increasing
The energy transition is progressing and photovoltaics and wind power are being expanded further and further. As a result, weather-related fluctuations, also known as volatility, in the energy supply are also increasing. Hours of sunshine and wind phases are increasingly determining availability and price. In summer 2024, electricity prices on the spot market in Germany fluctuated between +250 €/MWh and -60 €/MWh within a normal week. Those who consumed less electricity during expensive time windows were able to make massive cost savings.
Volatility is rising – and remains
The results of a study by the University of Cologne (2025) show that price fluctuations will increase in the future. The study compares the volatility of 2023 with the estimated volatility of 2035. According to the study, it will increase by 20% on the hourly day-ahead market and by 64% on the quarter-hourly intraday market. In addition to the expansion of renewables, increasing electrification on the demand side (e.g. through e-mobility or heat pumps) is a driver for this – a complex interplay that requires flexibility.
Dynamic grid charges are coming
Increasing volatility is also leading to regulatory adjustments at grid level. Last summer, the German Federal Grid Agency presented the planned flexible network charges for industrial customers. The first step has already been taken with the planned adjustment of the “7,000 hour rule,” which has previously rewarded companies for continuous consumption behavior. Further measures, such as the expansion of dynamic grid charges and new models of atypical grid use, have been announced.
Storing electricity without batteries: These potentials lie dormant in your infrastructure
In light of these developments, it is clear that companies must utilize existing storage potential intelligently – and this is often possible without expensive investments in battery storage systems. Smart alternatives are:
- Thermal storage
Your cold store is an energy storage? Exactly, both cold stores and tanks are ideal for storing energy in the form of temperature. If electricity is cheap or a lot of solar energy is available, refrigerated goods can be cooled down more or water in tanks or e-boilers can be heated in a targeted manner. Only slight temperature fluctuations are used, which do not affect the product quality. The raspberry doesn't care whether it is stored at -23 or -20 degrees. Small adjustment, big impact: Our customer, the refrigeration logistics specialist Peter Bade, has reduced labor prices on the spot market by 15.6% by using its cold store as an energy storage. - Process-related storage: pumps, tanks and warehouses
Many industrial processes involve conveying or storage processes – for example for liquids, gases or solids such as screws. These are stored in pumps, tanks and warehouses, which store energy in the form of mass. When electricity is cheap, it is “pre-produced” or fill levels are increased – at high prices, energy consumption is reduced. This allows storing electricity without batteries and consuming flexibly.
Storing electricity without batteries – automatically and efficiently thanks to intelligent energy management
Our smart energy management flexOn helps companies utilize this storage potential intelligently – without any additional hardware or BESS. Flexibilising your electricity consumption consists of four steps:
- Connect relevant systems: flexOn integrates your energy-intensive systems such as cold stores, heat generators or warehouses via existing interfaces. External data such as electricity market prices or weather data are also included.
- Create forecasts: Based on the various data, the AI behind flexOn calculates forecasts of energy consumption and generation – both at plant and site level.
- Generate optimized schedules: Based on the forecasts, the AI platform calculates the best time to use or save energy. Our AI and algorithms create optimized schedules within the framework of your specifications, which are executed automatically.
- Interface to the energy system: The intelligent energy management also provides an interface to suppliers, retailers and grid operators.
Storing electricity without batteries is not a contradiction – but a real opportunity for industrial companies. Those who intelligently utilize existing storage potential saves costs, support the energy transition and grid stability, and secure a decisive competitive advantage. Thanks to flexOn, this is easy, safe and automated.
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