Construction companies have long relied on diesel generators to keep projects running, but rising fuel prices and mounting maintenance costs are prompting contractors to consider a different approach: battery energy storage systems.
Known as BESS, the technology stores electricity from the power grid, solar panels or generators and supplies it when needed, reducing fuel consumption while providing a steady source of power for equipment and temporary facilities.
“The battery energy storage system is similar to a large power bank,” said Jay Lim, a system analyst for battery energy storage systems at Singapore-based JP Nelson Equipment Pte. Ltd. “So what you need, it will help to provide you with the electricity. It stores the energy and it is able to charge by renewable energy.”
For contractors, the biggest draw is the potential to lower operating costs. Lim said companies can reduce operating expenses by as much as 80% to 90% when BESS is paired with renewable energy sources such as solar panels or the power grid. Even on sites without renewable energy, contractors can still cut fuel and maintenance costs by 40% to 60% by using a smaller diesel generator alongside the battery system.
Maintenance is another area where battery storage differs from conventional generators. Diesel-powered units require regular oil changes, filter replacements and engine servicing, often sending technicians to multiple project sites each month. By comparison, Lim said BESS primarily requires coolant replacement every three to four months.
“So for them, if you switch to the BESS itself, you will have low maintenance,” Lim said. “The main thing about the BESS is that you only have this liquid cooling system that you need to pump up the coolant every three to four months. But for your typical generator, every month you require servicing.”
The technology also reduces manpower requirements through remote monitoring. Diagnostics, software updates and troubleshooting can be performed online, allowing maintenance teams to resolve most issues without traveling to project sites, reducing downtime and service costs.
“Everything can be monitored online,” Lim said. “Any issues happen, we can, from the backend on the internet to the system itself, we can control and monitor, we can test, upgrade security patch, we can fix the issue without going to the site.”
The operational advantages become even more evident in heavy-duty applications. Lim cited tower cranes as an example. Instead of operating a 400-kVA generator throughout a 12-hour workday, contractors can pair BESS with a 40- to 60-kVA generator that only needs to run three to four hours a day to recharge the batteries.
Environmental considerations are another factor driving interest in BESS. Lim described the technology as “a new green technology” with “low emission, low sound and it is eco-friendly,” positioning it as a quieter and cleaner alternative to conventional diesel generators.
Founded in Singapore in 1992, JP Nelson Equipment supplies and leases construction and industrial equipment across Asia while providing equipment servicing and parts support. The company has expanded its portfolio to include battery energy storage systems as contractors seek cleaner, more efficient and cost-effective power solutions.
Lim believes the Philippines is well positioned to adopt the technology as construction activity continues to grow and demand rises for reliable temporary power.
“It’s a very good prospect, I see,” he said. “Helping the Philippine side to have a good saving with the BESS and also give them a stable output. So they do not need to worry about too much of a power outage at times and also have a reliable energy solution.”
To learn more about battery energy storage systems (BESS) and JP Nelson’s energy solutions, visit the company’s booth at PHILCONSTRUCT Manila 2026, running June 25 to 28 at the MOA Concert Grounds in Pasay City.
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