Economic impact of battery refurbishment on RESS

The conversation around renewable energy storage solutions (RESS) has evolved from mere technical possibility to encompass economic feasibility and long-term sustainability. 

The market for RESS is experiencing substantial growth, propelled by the decreasing costs of renewable energy generation and increasing policy support for clean energy. The global market for battery energy storage systems is estimated to grow from $251.14 billion in 2024 to $379.29 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period, as per GlobeNewsWire. 

The increase is being driven by the urgency to manage the fluctuating supply of solar and wind energy and to improve the grid resilience while ensuring optimal battery lifecycle management, as well as offer ancillary services to the grid.

Battery-based renewable energy storage systems are a versatile, scalable, and high-performance technology that has become a vital part of the growing RESS market. 

Batteries provide an effective solution for storing and supplying electricity on demand, whether in household systems with solar panels or in larger utility-grade installations. This system employs various battery chemistries based on the unique application needs. 

However, the initial manufacturing of lead acid batteries require a large amount of energy and resources, raising questions about their environmental impact through battery disposal or recycling after they have served their purpose.

This scenario is where lead acid battery refurbishment presents an attractive economic proposition. Battery refurbishment involves diagnosing battery condition, desulphation and restoration charging processes, followed by final testing to ensure performance before reuse. 

Rather than relying solely on recycling, which focuses on material recovery, battery refurbishment technologies like EBEP (Electrochemical Battery Enhancement Process) offers a more sustainable approach by extending the life cycle of batteries and reducing e-waste.

Championing cost efficiencies and resource circularity
From an economic standpoint, battery refurbishment has a significant and multifaceted impact on renewable energy storage. Refurbished batteries help reduce reliance on new battery production by extending battery life, delaying frequent replacements and delivering significant cost savings for both industries and end-users. 

Battery refurbishment encourages a more circular economy by maximizing the use of valuable resources. The demand for materials used in battery manufacturing is increasing rapidly. Refurbishment helps reduce the strain on these resources and minimizes the environmental impact associated with mining and processing raw materials. 

Advanced refurbishment technologies like EBEP ensure that the lead acid batteries used in applications such as UPS, inverters and solar energy storage systems can be efficiently restored, improving their long-term energy efficiency.

Accelerating renewable integration
The impact of lead acid battery refurbishment goes beyond the borders of the renewable energy sector. By making energy storage a more affordable and accessible, it enables a larger, more efficient integration of quite different renewable energy sources into the grid. Here, available storage systems allow for smoother power supply, greater stability of the grid, and less curtailment in renewable energy generation. This, in turn, improves the economic competitiveness of renewable energy over fossil fuels.

While challenges exist, lead acid battery refurbishment presents a promising opportunity. Establishing standard testing protocols and clear performance criteria will further enhance the reliability and safety of restored batteries in second-life use. Introducing well-defined warranty provisions and supportive legislation can help build trust and attract investment in this growing field. 

As battery technology evolves, improvements in endurance, cost-efficiency, and refurbishment processes are making the long-term economics increasingly favorable. Innovative battery life enhancement technologies are advancing rapidly, significantly boosting the performance of refurbished batteries and ensuring consistent, reliable second-life applications.

Bottom line
Even with such complications, the economic case for lead-acid battery refurbishment in energy storage remains strong. It offers a viable path to cost savings, resource conservation, trade opportunities and wider adoption of sustainable energy technologies. 

With advancements in battery restoration, companies are not only minimizing battery waste but also improving energy storage efficiency—contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. As the renewable energy and battery storage sectors grow, refurbishment will play an increasingly strategic role and emerge as a cornerstone of sustainable development and economic progress.

-- Kavinder Khurana, Founder, Energy & Power Tech India Pvt Ltd.