EnBW and VPI have launched construction on large-scale BESS projects in Germany, while Elements Green and Eku Energy have agreed supply and acquisition deals respectively for separate 400MW/1,600MWh projects.
The trio of project updates come after German regulators clarified the 4 August 2029 grid fee exemption for energy storage, opening up investment after months of inactivity due to the uncertainty.
EnBW starts building its biggest BESS in Germany yet
Legacy power plant operator EnBW has started building a 400MW/800MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Philippsburg Energy Park.
Transmission system operator (TSO) TransnetBW has built a large direct-current converter in an adjacent section of the energy park, and the project will help bring wind power from northern Germany to demand centres in the southwest of the country.
Try Premium for just $1
- Full premium access for the first month at only $1
- Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
- Cancel anytime during the trial period
Premium Benefits
- Expert industry analysis and interviews
- Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
- Exclusive event discounts
Or get the full Premium subscription right away
Or continue reading this article for free
EnBW took a final investment decision (FID) on the project late last year, and started building a smaller 100MW/100MWh project in Marbach in April this year.
Philippsburg Mayor Stefan Martus said, “Philippsburg has been one of Germany’s most important energy hubs for half a century, a position that is now being further strengthened by the new BESS.
EnBW already operates 20 smaller BESS projects totalling over 100 MWh of installed capacity in Germany.
Envision Energy to supply 1.6GWh project in Germany
Lithium-ion OEM Envision Energy has partnered with developer and IPP Elements Green to deliver the 400MW/1600MWh Stadorf BESS project, in northern Germany.
Envision will supply a solution built around its latest modular Gen 8 BESS platform, unveiled late last year.
The supply agreement was announced at last week’s Smarter E Europe trade show in Munich, Germany, which Energy-Storage.news attended.
Though the company didn’t announce the start of construction, or set a target date, bringing a supplier on board is a key step in the process.
Eku Energy acquires 400MW/1,600MWh project
BESS owner-operator Eku Energy meanwhile has entered the German market with a project the same size as the Standorf BESS project.
The project is in the municipality of Lamspringe in Lower Saxony, northwest Germany, and will provide black start capability through a direct connection to the transmission grid. It is currently in an advanced development stage, with commissioning planned at the end of 2029.
VPI starts building 144MWh project
Power firm VPI, backed by energy and commodities firm Vitol, has reached FID and started early-stage construction on a 144MWh project in Pasewalk, in the northeastern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The firm announced its entry into the German market last year with a partnership with developer Noveria.
Lithium-ion OEM CATL is providing the BESS technology, Wood Group is providing engineering services, while Intec Energy Solutions is balance of plant (BOP) contractor.
The flurry of projects come a few weeks after the Energy Storage Summit at the Battery Show Europe, hosted by Energy-Storage.news publisher Solar Media and co-located with parent company Informa’s The Battery Show Europe in Stuttgart, Germany. See all coverage related to the event here.
