Utility Scale: The Key to Germany’s Energy Transition
Germany’s energy transition is progressing, and renewables are playing an increasingly important role in the energy mix. However, the availability of wind and solar power poses a challenge in terms of grid stability and economic efficiency. Large-scale battery storage systems (Utility Scale) offer a solution here, as they enable the optimal use of renewable energies, stabilize the power grid, and make the energy market more efficient.
be.storaged: Leading the Way in Utility Scale
With over 200 MWh under construction and 70 MWh in operation, we at be.storaged are leaders in the development of battery storage in Germany. We are currently building five utility-scale projects, including our site in Untersteinach, strengthening our position as an industry leader. We cover all phases of project development from planning and procurement to construction and operation, continuously setting new standards for battery storage solutions.
The market for utility-scale storage is growing rapidly. In 2023 alone, 3.9 GW of battery capacity was installed in Germany, and total capacities are expected to increase to 15 GW / 57 GWh by 2030 (Fluence Energy, 2024). This rapid growth makes renewable energies more profitable, increases grid stability, and reduces the need for costly infrastructure expansions.
Why Large Battery Storage Systems Are Important
Utility-scale battery systems store energy when generation exceeds demand and release it when consumption is higher. This increases the security of supply and makes electricity from renewables more profitable, because electricity can be sold at attractive prices during times of high demand. In recent years, for example, the installation of battery storage with the same capacity as a wind farm has significantly increased the market value of that plant.
To further advance development, the Federal Network Agency has promoted renewable energy plants with battery systems through innovation tenders. These offer project developers higher guaranteed revenues compared to conventional tenders under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) – with innovation tenders demonstrably delivering up to 25% higher added value.
Good for the Economy, Good for the Power Grid
The volatility of the electricity market is another important factor. In 2024, the average day-ahead wholesale electricity price in Germany was €78.51/MWh – a decrease of 17.5% compared to the previous year’s average of €95.18/MWh (Source: SMARD.de, 2024). As operators, we can take advantage of this volatility by purchasing electricity at lower prices, storing it, and selling it during peak prices.
At the same time, our battery systems contribute to stabilizing the grid by providing reserve capacities and responding to frequency fluctuations within seconds – crucial for maintaining the grid’s target frequency of 50 Hertz.
Important Projects: Tittling and Untersteinach
We have played a key role in the integration of utility-scale storage solutions in Germany. Two current projects illustrate our expertise and our contribution to the energy transition: Tittling and Untersteinach.
The project in Tittling, Bavaria, represents an important milestone. This plant with 10.35 MW / 22.83 MWh is already in operation and connected to the medium-voltage grid. It can supply up to 30,000 households with electricity for two hours and also contributes to grid stability because it contributes to load balancing and participates in the energy markets.
In Untersteinach, also in Bavaria, a battery plant with a capacity of 10.35 MW is under construction, equivalent to a ten-hectare solar park. The plant is scheduled to go online by mid-2025 and will stabilize the local power grid, prevent power outages, and optimize the use of renewable energies. This project is part of our broader development pipeline, which currently includes five other utility-scale projects under construction.
Both systems are integrated into a digital flexibility platform that optimizes economic performance and provides broader access to energy storage for all market participants. Our customer terralayr uses this infrastructure to market stored energy in a highly innovative way.
The Future of Energy Is Utility Scale
With the expansion of renewable energies, utility-scale battery storage is becoming the backbone of a flexible, stable, and economical energy system. By developing advanced business models and using state-of-the-art storage technologies, we are not just adapting to the future – we are shaping it. We at be.storaged are proud to lead the energy transition in Germany.
