At a time when energy security and climate protection are becoming increasingly important for municipalities, the focus is increasingly on innovative solutions such as stationary large battery storage systems. Its growing importance on the political agenda underlines its role as an indispensable component for a sustainable and secure energy supply in the future. They make a significant contribution to the stability and flexibility of the power grid and facilitate the efficient integration of renewable energies. In this way, they promote both local and national energy independence and at the same time contribute to reducing electricity costs and CO₂ emissions. Large-scale battery storage systems are therefore a central component for advancing the municipal energy transition and exploiting economic benefits.
Stationary large battery storage systems are much more than just technical support — they are a crucial part of the foundation of modern, decentralized energy concepts. The conversion from traditional large power plants to volatile renewable energies is challenging our power grid to an unprecedented extent. Since energy generation from wind and solar by numerous decentralized plants is weather-dependent in contrast to conventional large power plants, the power grid requires greater flexibility to ensure security of supply. Battery storage systems play a central role here: They store excess energy and release it back into the grid when needed, thus stabilizing local power grids, compensating for fluctuations and promoting energy independence. Through their efficient use of renewable energy, they support the achievement of climate goals and the reduction of CO₂ emissions.
Municipalities benefit in two ways: They position themselves as pioneers of the energy transition and achieve economic benefits. According to current law, operators of renewable energy plants, including large battery storage systems, are required to pay 90 percent of business tax revenue to the local communities. This creates predictable income that promotes the local economy. During the construction phase, great emphasis is placed on involving local service providers and subcontractors in order to strengthen the regional economy and provide positive impetus.
The path to a functional large battery storage system starts with a thorough planning phase. The first and most important step is site selection, in which potential sites are carefully examined for network topological, ecological and building law criteria. To ensure the provision of cross-system services, the battery storage system is connected directly to the power grid as close as possible to a substation.
In the following phase, the responsible network operators, authorities as well as the municipality and district will be contacted to present the project and coordinate all framework conditions. An open and transparent dialogue is essential to seamlessly integrate the storage system into the local power grid and create a win-win situation for all parties involved. A high level of coordination is required, particularly in grid connection and permit planning. Kyon Energy supports this process intensively and, in addition to the rough technical planning, creates all relevant concepts.
This is followed by detailed and implementation planning, in which technical and project management departments develop a battery storage system tailored to the location and application. In parallel, the necessary building permits are obtained with the involvement of the municipality. These approval processes require close cooperation with the municipality, district and property owners to make the project flow smoothly.
After all permits and planning steps have been completed, the construction phase starts with preparatory earthworks. The battery storage systems (BESS), including cooling systems, transformers and inverters, are then delivered and the company building is built. The electrical and mechanical components are installed, with cabling, connection of the individual system components and integration of the energy management system, plant control and IT infrastructure. Finally, the storage system is connected to the power grid via the substation, the first “supply of current” is carried out and comprehensive functional tests are started. After a few months of construction and successful start-up, the storage system is taking on important system-relevant tasks in the network.
One successfully implemented example of such a project is the storage facility in Tangermünde, Saxony-Anhalt. Once completed, it will provide the power grid with storage capacity of over 32 megawatt hours. The site analysis was completed here last year and an ideal grid connection point near the substation was identified. After a successful grid connection and approval phase, the project reached the milestone of readiness for construction in mid-2023. This was followed by detailed technical planning and the ordering of the required components. Just less than a year later, in July 2024, the preparatory civil engineering work for the installation of the storage containers could begin. These containers were delivered in September and equipped with battery modules. Electrical work and the first “supply of electricity” with comprehensive functional tests are now due in the coming months to ensure smooth operation. Start-up is planned for the end of the year. Once completed, the storage plant will help stabilize the power grid and facilitate the integration of additional renewable energy sources in the region.
Large-scale battery storage systems are an essential part of the energy transitionin Germany. They increase grid stability and promote the use of renewable energy, while at the same time reducing dependence on fossil fuels and energy imports. With their high flexibility, they strengthen security of supply, reduce price volatility and support the sustainable reduction of CO₂ emissions. Large-scale battery storage systems not only offer municipalities an opportunity for greater energy autonomy, but also economic opportunities. As a modern infrastructure, they symbolize the transition to a climate-friendly and robust energy supply that combines local and national interests.
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