Municipal energy transition: large-scale battery storage as a key technology

At a time when energy security and climate protection are becoming increasingly important for municipalities, innovative solutions such as stationary large-scale battery storage systems are increasingly coming into focus. Their growing importance on the political agenda underlines their role as an indispensable building block for a sustainable and secure energy supply of the future. They make a significant contribution to the stability and flexibility of the electricity grid and facilitate the efficient integration of renewable energies. In this way, they promote both local and national energy independence while helping to reduce electricity costs and CO₂ emissions. Large-scale battery storage systems are therefore a central building block for advancing the municipal energy transition and reaping economic advantages.

Flexibility for the energy transition

Stationary large-scale battery storage systems are much more than mere technical support – they are a crucial part of the foundation of modern, decentralized energy concepts. The conversion from traditional large-scale power plants to volatile renewable energies is challenging our power grid to an unprecedented extent. Since energy generation from wind and sun by numerous decentralised plants is weather-dependent in contrast to conventional large-scale 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 the local power grids, compensating for fluctuations and promoting energy independence. Through their efficient use of renewable energies, 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 advantages. Under current law, operators of renewable energy plants, including large-scale battery storage systems, are obliged to pay 90 percent of trade tax revenues to the local municipalities. This generates predictable revenues that promote the local economy. During the construction phase, great importance is attached to the involvement of local service providers and subcontractors in order to strengthen the regional economy and provide positive impetus.

From the idea to a high-performance storage system

The path to a functioning large-scale battery storage system begins 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 grid operators, authorities as well as the municipality and the district will be contacted to present the project and coordinate all framework conditions. An open and transparent dialogue is essential in order 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, especially in grid connection and approval planning. Kyon Energy is intensively involved in this process and, in addition to the technical rough 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. At the same time, the necessary building permits will be obtained with the involvement of the municipality. These approval processes require close cooperation with the municipality, district and property owners to ensure that the project runs smoothly.

After completion of all permits and planning steps, the construction phase will start with preparatory earthworks. The battery storage systems (BESS) including cooling systems, transformers and inverters will then be delivered and the operating building will be constructed. The installation of the electrical and mechanical components follows, with cabling, connection of the individual system components and the 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 "power supply" is carried out and comprehensive functional tests are started. After a few months of construction and successful commissioning, the storage system takes over important system-relevant tasks in the grid.

A successfully implemented example of such a project is the storage facility in Tangermünde, Saxony-Anhalt. After completion, this will provide the power grid with a 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 determined. 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. 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. In the coming months, the electrical work and the first "power supply" with comprehensive functional tests are now scheduled to ensure smooth operation. Once completed, the storage facility will help stabilize the power grid and facilitate the integration of additional renewable energy in the region.

Delivery of the battery storage containers in September 2024

Strategic course setting

Large-scale battery storage systems are an essential part of the energy transition in Germany. They increase grid stability and promote the use of renewable energies, while at the same time reducing dependence on fossil fuels and energy imports. With their high flexibility, they strengthen security of supply, dampen price volatility and support the sustainable reduction of CO₂ emissions. For municipalities, large-scale battery storage systems not only offer an opportunity for greater energy autonomy, but also economic opportunities. As modern infrastructure, they symbolize the transition to a climate-friendly and robust energy supply that unites local and national interests.

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