12.06.2026
What batteries are better to use at substations, is it worth switching to lithium technologies, and how does the modernization of backup power systems help increase the reliability of energy infrastructure? These questions became the basis of the speech by Serhii Tsuryk, Director of BATTEK LLC, Executive Director and Board Member of the CIGRE Ukrainian National Committee, at the Energy Forum “Energy Decentralization 2026: Generation, Storage and Financing”, held on May 26 in Kyiv within the framework of the Green EnerTech – 2026 International Specialized Exhibition. Serhii Tsuryk presented modern solutions for backup and uninterruptible power supply, and shared practical experience in modernizing the energy infrastructure of Lithuania.
The company BATTEK is the Ukrainian representative office of a Lithuanian battery manufacturer whose products are currently used by almost the entire large-scale power sector of Lithuania. The company’s founder, Vytautas Ščiuka, directly participated in the modernization of the Lithuanian power system and came to the forum in Kyiv to share the accumulated experience.
According to Serhii Tsuryk, the main tasks of backup power supply systems are providing consumers with electricity during external power outages, network parameter control, monitoring voltage drops, and keeping batteries charged.
He called maximum simplicity one of the key principles of building such systems.
“The simpler the system, the higher its reliability,” the speaker emphasized.
A typical backup power supply system consists of a battery and an inverter. At the same time, the choice of battery type depends on the operating conditions and facility requirements.
The Director of BATTEK LLC reviewed in detail the features of the most common energy storage technologies. Lead-acid batteries remain popular due to their affordable cost, reliability, ease of installation, and maintenance. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries have smaller dimensions, a significantly larger charge-discharge cycle life, and are better suited for intensive operation.
Separately, Serhii Tsuryk focused on nickel-cadmium and nickel-iron batteries. Nickel-cadmium batteries have traditionally been used in transport and industrial facilities due to their ability to operate in a wide temperature range; however, in the European Union, this technology is gradually being phased out of operation in accordance with environmental requirements.
The speaker paid special attention to the experience of modernizing substations in Lithuania. While previously batteries with liquid electrolyte were widely used at facilities, after reconstructions, most substations switched to AGM technology.
According to him, such batteries require virtually no maintenance, do not require separate rooms or complex ventilation systems, which is especially relevant for underground and protected critical infrastructure facilities.
During the presentation, examples of modernized Lithuanian substations were demonstrated. After replacing the equipment, access to the batteries for measurements and maintenance significantly improved, reconstruction costs were reduced, and additional space was freed up for placing other equipment.
The advisability of using lithium-ion batteries at substations was a separate issue. According to Serhii Tsuryk, a lot of technical discussions and research were dedicated to this matter in Lithuania. As a result, experts concluded that for backup power systems, lead-acid AGM or gel batteries remain the most expedient, while lithium-ion batteries are the optimal solution for facilities with a high operational cycling frequency.
The speaker explained that lead-acid batteries work well in continuous float charge mode and rare discharges, whereas for lithium batteries, remaining in a fully charged state for a long time can accelerate the degradation process.
In addition, lithium systems require the use of BMS (Battery Management Systems), which control their operation and protect against emergency modes. In case of malfunctions, such a system can automatically disconnect the battery from the load, which requires additional technical solutions to ensure power continuity.
Fire safety remains an equally important factor. As Serhii Tsuryk noted, modern lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are characterized by a high safety level; however, in the event of direct exposure to open fire, extinguishing them remains a difficult task.
Modern lead-acid technologies with a service life reaching 20 years today were also presented during the speech. Among them are OPzV solutions, front-terminal batteries for underground structures, as well as gel batteries for backup power systems.
Summarizing his speech, Serhii Tsuryk emphasized that the choice of energy storage technology should be based primarily on operating conditions and the purpose of the facility. Lithuania’s experience demonstrates that reliability, ease of operation, safety, and equipment durability remain key criteria for substations and critical infrastructure, and modern lead-acid solutions continue to successfully meet these requirements even under active energy system modernization.
