Why Batteries Are Becoming a Subscription, Not an Asset

A new battery subscription model from GridBeyond and ABB slashes costs and helps businesses profit from supporting the grid.

8 Jun 2025

GridBeyond and ABB have launched a subscription-based battery storage service aimed at helping businesses manage energy costs and support Europe’s increasingly volatile power grid without heavy upfront investment.

The offering, known as Battery Energy Storage as a Service, allows commercial and industrial customers to access on-site battery systems through a contract model similar to software subscriptions. GridBeyond provides energy optimisation and control software, while ABB supplies the battery technology and related infrastructure.

The move comes as Europe’s electricity networks face rising pressure from the rapid growth of wind and solar power. While renewables have expanded capacity, their intermittent output has increased the need for flexible storage to balance supply and demand. Batteries can play that role, but high capital costs and operational complexity have limited adoption among smaller and mid-sized businesses.

Under the new model, customers avoid direct ownership of the assets. Instead, they pay for access while GridBeyond manages how the batteries charge and discharge, including participation in grid services markets. This can allow companies to reduce energy bills and earn revenue by helping stabilise local networks during periods of peak demand.

“As a strategic investor and long-term partner, ABB shares our vision of accelerating the global transition to a flexible, sustainable energy system,” said Michael Phelan, chief executive of GridBeyond. “Battery storage systems help to enhance grid stability, integrate renewable energy sources, and improve cost efficiency for C&I customers.”

Financing for the service is provided by Tallarna, a climate-focused investment platform that specialises in backing low-carbon infrastructure. Its involvement is intended to reduce financial risk and broaden access to battery storage, particularly for businesses that might otherwise struggle to secure capital for such projects.

Energy companies and technology groups across Europe have been experimenting with service-based models as governments push for faster decarbonisation while maintaining grid reliability. Analysts say subscription structures can help speed deployment by shifting risk away from end users and towards developers and financiers.

GridBeyond and ABB plan to roll out the service across multiple European markets, targeting sectors with high electricity use and exposure to volatile power prices. The partners said the model could be expanded as demand for flexible capacity grows alongside renewable generation.