The Role of Energy Storage in Business Sustainability

Our world is changing. People's views are evolving. Technology is advancing. Uncertainty is rising. Energy storage is one way that we can slow down time. It gives businesses the stability, control and breathing room they need to plan confidently in a world that’s moving faster than ever.
 
As an energy management consultancy, True Group sits at the intersection of technology, sustainability  and business strategy. Every day, we help organisations navigate rising energy costs, decarbonisation targets and the rapidly evolving landscape of renewable technologies. Energy storage has become one of the most impactful tools in this shift, yet many of our clients still view it as complex, costly, or only relevant for large-scale operations.
 
We explore why you should consider energy storage in your operations.

What is Energy Storage?

At its core, energy storage is the ability to capture electricity when it’s abundant and cheap and release it when it’s needed most. Think of it as a battery for your business, storing excess solar energy on a sunny afternoon, or drawing power from the grid at off-peak rates to use during high-cost periods. From large-scale lithium-ion batteries to cutting-edge thermal storage systems, energy storage offers businesses a flexible, reliable buffer against price volatility and grid instability. 
 
Energy Matters More Than Ever

Energy has become one of the biggest variables in business performance, and increasingly, one of the biggest risks. Prices that once moved gradually now shift by the hour. In 2023 alone, UK wholesale electricity prices spiked over 200% across certain peak periods, driven by geopolitical tensions, grid constraints and surging demand. For many organisations, this volatility makes long-term planning challenging.

Energy storage gives businesses a way to take back control. It allows businesses to smooth out the highs and lows of market pricing by storing electricity when it’s cheapest and using it when costs surge. For companies operating on tight margins or in energy-intensive sectors, this can be transformative, turning unpredictable energy spend into something far more strategic.

A Rising Sustainability Imperative
 
Cost control isn't the only driver. CSR expectations and net-zero commitments are becoming non-negotiable. In fact, 82% of UK businesses now have formal sustainability targets and customers, investors and regulators are watching closely. Energy storage plays a pivotal role here, enabling businesses to capture more of the renewable power they generate and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive grid energy. It strengthens the business case for on-site solar and helps organisations cut emissions without compromising productivity or comfort.
 
True Group sees every day how challenging it can be for businesses to navigate the complex, fast-changing world of sustainability. Energy storage is still perceived by many as technical, expensive, or 'not for them', but the truth is, it has become an incredibly accessible and impactful solution. Our job is to bridge that gap: translating complex technology into practical, commercial decisions that genuinely move organisations forward.
 
A Grid Under Pressure
 
The UK grid is evolving rapidly, but not always quickly enough. With more electrification and more renewables feeding into the system, many areas face congestion, constrained connections, or multi-year delays for network upgrades. According to National Grid ESO, around 40% of new connections now face delays, particularly in high-growth regions.
 
Energy storage helps businesses operate more independently of these constraints. It reduces pressure on the grid during peak times and provides the flexibility needed in areas where capacity is limited. For companies needing faster expansion, electrification of fleets, or new equipment, storage can be the difference between moving ahead now or waiting years for infrastructure to catch up.
 
For many sectors, the value extends beyond flexibility. Batteries provide instant backup power, keeping critical processes running through voltage dips or outages, essential for hospitals, food production, cold storage and distribution centres.
 
Unlocking New Revenue Through Smart Flexibility

One of the most compelling benefits comes when batteries are paired with Demand Side Response (DSR). Traditionally, DSR participation required businesses to reduce consumption during grid stress events, something not all operations can easily do.
 
Batteries change that entirely. By storing energy in advance, businesses can switch to their battery during DSR events, maintaining full operations while still reducing grid demand. And the opportunity is large: around £350 million is paid annually to UK businesses participating in DSR and flexibility markets. This figure is expected to grow significantly as the grid becomes more decentralised.
 
Why True Group is Talking About This

We work with clients across manufacturing, higher education, logistics, food production, retail and more, all of whom face different energy challenges but share one common need: control.
 
We’re talking about this because storage is a solution businesses can deploy today to gain real commercial advantage, resilience and sustainability benefits. And yet many organisations still don’t realise how accessible, cost-effective, or valuable it has become. Our role is to make that journey easier: providing clarity, confidence, and a clear pathway to smarter energy use.

Interested? Book a call.