As green energy uptake accelerates globally, there’s a growing need for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). An essential part of the sustainable energy infrastructure, they ensure frequency regulation, load shifting, and backup power. But for BESS systems to continue to deliver as required, they need a durable and scalable infrastructure, including suitable foundations.
Screw piles are a fast, adaptable, and cost-effective solution for anchoring BESS systems. Providing a future-proof alternative to traditional concrete foundations.
Why Screw Piles Play an Integral Role in BESS Infrastructure
Why foundations matter for BESS
BESS installations typically involve a range of heavy-duty equipment. From enclosures and transformers to inverters and switchgear. All of which need a stable foundation to prevent settlement, ensure safety, and deliver long-term performance. But the foundations must also be versatile and scalable in order to meet the changing needs of the site. Which may include expansion or relocation.
Traditional concrete foundations can be costly, time-consuming, and environmentally unsound. That’s why screw piles have a competitive edge.
What are screw piles?
Screw piles are steel shafts with carefully placed helical plates, designed to be screwed into the ground using hydraulic machinery. They get their name because they act like giant screws, displacing soil rather than removing it. As such, they can be installed quickly, with minimal site disturbance. Their strong load-bearing capacity makes them highly effective in various soil conditions.
Why would you use screw piles for BESS Projects?
Speed
Speed can be critical in the energy storage sector. Screw piles can be installed significantly faster than poured concrete and are ready to use immediately. Which can mean that a full installation is completed in hours instead of days.
Scalability and modularity
BESS facilities often grow in phases. Screw piles enable modular expansion with minimal rework. They can also be removed or reused, making them ideal for temporary or semi-permanent installations.
Minimal environmental impact
Unlike concrete, screw piles require no excavation or wet materials. This reduces emissions, soil disruption, and water usage. This ties in perfectly with the sustainability goals that drive renewable energy investments.
Cost-Effectiveness
While initial material costs may be similar, the installation of screw piles requires less labour, less complex logistics, and fewer environmental remediation costs. This means that overall, screw piles can be far more cost-effective than concrete.
Versatility
From sandy plains to clay-rich sites, screw piles perform reliably in a wide variety of conditions. For BESS developers dealing with unpredictable or varying soils, this adaptability is a major advantage.
The energy storage landscape is evolving rapidly. With newer battery chemistries, regulatory changes, and grid demands influencing infrastructure decisions, there’s a lot for developers to consider. Screw piles offer a flexible foundation strategy that keeps pace with change. Supporting rapid deployment, easy relocation, and simple upgrades without structural overhaul, they’re fast becoming the foundation of choice for the green energy sector.
Are you looking to future-proof your BESS project? Find out how UK Helix can help.