The energy sector is undergoing a major transformation, affecting energy production, energy storage and the management of energy systems. At the same time, the growth of renewable energy, electrification and the digitalisation of the energy system are creating new opportunities and needs for industry stakeholders. Energia 2026 once again brings energy sector professionals together to discuss current topics and future solutions. The event will take place on 20–22 October 2026 at the Tampere Sports and Expo Centre. Energy Expo is Finland’s leading energy industry event, bringing together energy and grid companies, industrial companies, large real estate sector stakeholders, as well as providers of energy technologies and services. The event covers topics including energy production and technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainable and smart energy solutions. Syncron Tech will be exhibiting at the event. You can find us at booth E820, where we will showcase solutions for the efficient control and management of renewable energy production and energy storage. We will discuss topics including power management, hybrid power plants, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and participation in energy markets. See you in Tampere!

As renewable energy production continues to grow, the efficient operation, maintenance and reliability of renewable energy facilities are becoming increasingly important. Käyttö & Kunnossapito 2026 brings together professionals from the operational phase of renewable energy production to network and discuss current industry topics. The event will take place on 2–3 September 2026 at Sokos Hotel Arina in Oulu. It begins with a networking dinner on Wednesday, 2 September, followed by the program on Thursday, 3 September. The program will focus on topics related to the operation and maintenance of wind and solar power plants as well as energy storage systems. Syncron Tech will be attending on both days – at the networking dinner on Wednesday and as an exhibitor on Thursday. Come visit us on Thursday in the exhibitor area at stand 2. We look forward to discussing smart solutions for renewable energy production and energy storage with you. See you there! Read more about Käyttö & Kunnossapito 2026 event here.

This article is the first part of a three-part blog series titled Battery Energy Storage Systems in Electricity Markets. The series explores how battery energy storage systems (BESS) operate in electricity markets, how they are integrated into reserve markets, and practical experiences from testing different ancillary services. In this first part, we focus on BESS from the perspective of electricity markets. Battery energy storage systems from an electricity market perspective Battery energy storage systems have become a key element in the ongoing transformation of electricity markets. Flexibility has become one of the most important characteristics of modern power systems. However, in practice, flexibility is not achieved through battery capacity alone. The critical factor is how the entire system is designed, controlled, and integrated into both the power system and electricity markets. This is where differences between BESS solutions become evident. At Syncron Tech, we have been involved in several battery energy storage projects in recent years. Based on our experience, the technical implementation plays a decisive role in project success. A common assumption is that a battery system can be directly connected to Fingrid’s reserve markets. In practice, the situation is more complex. There are significant differences between battery technologies and system implementations, for example in response times, control accuracy, and controllability. These characteristics ultimately determine whether the system meets market requirements and passes the required compliance testing. These challenges typically become visible during the grid compliance assessment process. This is not about a single requirement, but a combination of several aspects, including frequency and voltage support, measurement systems, protection schemes, and real-time communication. In many projects, it becomes clear at this stage that inverter-level control alone may not be sufficient. PPC as the bridge to electricity markets At this point, the control system becomes essential, particularly the Power Plant Controller (PPC). Centralized plant-level control enables the entire facility to be operated as a single coordinated system, implementing the control logic required by Fingrid and adapting to the requirements of different reserve markets. It also enables reactive power capability at the point of connection and supports required market communication interfaces. In practice, the PPC acts as a bridge between the technical system and electricity markets. The overall solution matters Recently, attention has also been drawn to the practical operation of battery systems. Reserve markets require fast power changes, which means continuous switching between charging and discharging and steep ramp rates. However, overly aggressive control strategies can accelerate battery degradation, reduce performance, and in the worst case impact warranty conditions. Therefore, a balance must be found between market optimization and technical lifetime performance. In many projects, a workable approach has been to keep the core BESS delivery relatively lean, while complementing the overall system with a dedicated PPC solution. This provides the necessary flexibility without overengineering the entire installation. At the same time, it improves interoperability between different stakeholders, such as traders, control centers, and grid operators. It is also important to note that grid code requirements are extensive, and it is not always practical to implement everything in-house. Competent partners therefore play a key role throughout different phases of the project. When system architecture, control strategy, and market requirements are considered as a whole, a battery energy storage system becomes more than just a physical asset — it becomes an active and value-generating part of the power system.