Czech battery storage: A haven of stability in times of crisis

Geopolitical tensions have triggered another wave of energy uncertainty. Oil prices have surpassed $110 per barrel, once again showing that betting on solar, wind and hydropower is not “green politics” but, above all, a defence against international instability – oil flows from only a handful of places, and its price is highly sensitive to geopolitical events. “Investments in renewables and batteries typically deliver a return for companies within 5 to 8 years, depending on the size of the project and how it is used. At the same time, they can reduce energy costs over the long term,” explains Patrik Pinkoš, Head of EU Sales at Wattstor.

The ability to make part of a company’s electricity supply predictable is also key. “Alongside the economics, stability is essential – this approach allows companies to lock in a portion of their consumption at a predictable price. In an environment where energy prices fluctuate by tens of percent year on year, this is a huge competitive advantage,” Pinkoš adds.

Savings through peak shifting and the Podium platform

Energy price volatility is now one of the main operational risks for businesses. It is difficult to plan costs when prices change by tens of percent over a short period.

“Battery storage systems make it possible to manage this volatility effectively – storing energy when it is cheap and using it during peak periods. Companies are therefore not exposed to immediate price fluctuations and can plan their costs more effectively. At the same time, this creates scope for actively managing energy, so a company is not just a passive consumer but becomes an active market player,” explains Branislav Hrdý, Technical Sales Manager CEE at Wattstor.

Installing solar PV or another renewable energy source may no longer be enough on its own. Without appropriate management and storage, much of the potential remains untapped. “Battery storage systems can now help companies reduce energy costs, particularly through so-called peak shifting, or shifting production peaks. In practice, this means that by combining battery storage with solar PV, companies can increase the share of self-generated energy they consume from around 30% to 60–80%,” said Patrik Pinkoš.

“Another way to use battery storage is so-called peak shaving, or reducing consumption peaks. This can have a positive effect on reserved capacity charges and help deliver an even better return on the investment,” Patrik Pinkoš added.

The value of batteries is further enhanced by ancillary services and flexibility trading, which can be supported by platforms such as Podium, allowing their potential to be fully realised. “Battery storage systems are no longer just a cost item; they can easily become a source of revenue. By participating in energy markets – for example, by providing ancillary services or trading flexibility – companies can generate additional income. The key is to have a company that can assess the deployment model in the customer’s best interests andsmart controls that can respond to current market conditions, ” says Patrik Pinkoš.

Electromobility as part of energy management

Another area where companies are seeking savings and greater control over costs is corporate electromobility. Fleet electrification is increasingly being integrated with the energy management of buildings and industrial sites.

“Fleet electrification now enables companies to reduce operating costs by tens of percent. With charging managed properly, electricity is significantly cheaper than fossil fuels, and a large share of maintenance costs is eliminated. The key factor, however, is smart energy management. If companies combine charging with their own generation or battery storage, they can reduce energy costs by a further 10–20%. In that case, the payback period for investment in electromobility is significantly shorter,” said Branislav Hrdý.

The integration of generation, storage and consumption – including vehicle charging – is therefore becoming one of the main trends in modern energy and the primary purpose of Wattstor’s Podium platform.

About Wattstor

Wattstor is a next-generation energy company that designs smart renewable energy solutions for commercial and industrial businesses across Europe. It helps companies generate and use electricity locally, integrate renewables efficiently, and gain greater control over their consumption and energy costs. Through smart energy management, it reduces electricity costs and increases operational stability in an increasingly volatile market. In the Czech market, Wattstor provides comprehensive battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions, from design and engineering through delivery and integration to long-term operation and financing. A key part of its offering is its proprietary Podium energy management system, which uses advanced analytics and automated controls. Wattstor sets the standard for quality and technical excellence in battery projects in the Czech Republic and is a partner for companies that want to actively manage their energy.