How a 100kW Battery Will Cut Manufacturing Bills by 14%

With energy costs remaining unpredictable and sustainability targets continuing to rise, battery storage has become one of the most practical ways for manufacturers to lower bills, reduce emissions and build long-term resilience.

Using real performance forecasts generated by VEST's optimisation platform, we've modelled for our client exactly how a 100 kW behind-the-meter battery will perform once installed at their precision manufacturing facility. These figures come directly from VEST's modelling engine, which uses hundreds of historical forecasts, wholesale trading behaviour and live market volatility to create accurate, real-world projections.

Setting the Scene

We'll keep the facility anonymous for confidentiality reasons so let's call it Steel Precision. Steel Precision is a precision steel fabrication factory with clear priorities:

• Reduce annual energy bills

• Cut carbon emissions significantly

• Strengthen long-term energy resilience

• Lead by example in sustainability

Using Steel Precision's operational electricity profile, VEST has modelled the performance of a 100 kW battery under normal operating conditions.

The Solution: A 100kW Battery Optimised by VEST

Once installed, the battery will work automatically in the background at Steel Precision to:

• Charge when electricity prices are low

• Discharge during expensive peak periods

• Shift consumption to cheaper, cleaner hours of the day

• Reduce exposure to price spikes and volatility

This requires no operational changes from staff. The intelligence sits entirely in VEST's optimisation, not in how the facility operates day to day.

This is also where the difference lies: A plug-and-play battery delivers basic optimisation. VEST's advanced optimisation unlocks significantly greater savings and carbon reductions by trading intelligently against wholesale market behaviour.

What the Data Shows

Once the battery is live and based on VEST's real performance data, Steel Precision will see:

14% annual electricity bill reduction

£5,052 - £10,052 in annual savings

Significant CO₂ reduction

These results are driven by thousands of optimisation cycles and proven UK market patterns. The facility's battery will not just shift energy, it will actively manage consumption in a way that reflects real-time market conditions.

Where the Savings Will Come From

1. Peak-Shaving During Expensive Hours

Facilities like Steel Precision consume significant energy during operational hours, precisely when grid prices typically surge. The battery discharges during these hours, avoiding costly peak rates.

2. Charging When Prices Are Lowest

Overnight and off-peak charging ensures the facility uses low-cost stored energy during production hours.

3. Cleaner Energy Use Throughout Operations

By pulling less from the grid during peak, gas-heavy hours, the facility will significantly reduce emissions and strengthen its environmental credentials.

Why This Matters for the Facility

This model clearly demonstrates:

• The scale of financial savings the facility will achieve

• How smart optimisation (not just storage capacity) creates value

• A tangible carbon reduction pathway, supporting sustainability commitments

• Greater resilience and protection against rising or volatile energy prices

• Potential improvements to EPC ratings under new 2028 regulations (potentially up to 2 bands)

• The ability to redirect savings into equipment, operations, workforce development, or facility improvements

More money back into operations means more resources where they matter most.

Environmental Impact

Installing a VEST GreenBattery at Steel Precision is the equivalent to:

Planting 269 trees

Or, annually:

• Removing 3 cars from the road

• Skipping 3 London to New York flights

• Avoiding 2 tonnes of coal

• Powering 2 homes by clean energy

• 
  

The Investment Structure

Zero capital cost – Fully funded by VEST Energy with no upfront investment required

15-year contract – Long-term partnership with no ongoing costs

No disruption – VEST covers all technical aspects with no interruption to operations

No impact on energy contracts – The battery works alongside existing energy supply arrangements

What's Possible

VEST's modelling shows that once Steel Precision's 100 kW / 430 kWh battery is operational, the facility will:

• Reduce electricity bills by 14%

• Save between £5,052 and £10,052 annually

• Cut carbon emissions equivalent to planting 269 trees

• Improve energy resilience and stability

• Demonstrate leadership in sustainable manufacturing

If you'd like to understand the full forecast for your site (or run additional scenarios) VEST can provide a tailored, no-obligation assessment.

Ready to join the green energy revolution? Contact us to start your renewable energy journey.