swb and be.storaged are building a large battery storage system on a former coal plant site in Bremen by 2028.
Key Takeaways
- swb and be.storaged are building a large battery storage system at a former coal plant site in Bremen, set for completion by 2028.
- The project includes reusing existing infrastructure, such as electrical systems, from the decommissioned coal power plant.
- The battery storage will have an installed capacity of about 85 megawatts and a storage capacity of approximately 170 megawatt-hours.
- The system aims to enhance grid stability by using Flexible Connection Agreements, utilising existing grid connections.
- This initiative supports the energy transition by addressing the demand for flexibility in balancing renewable energy sources.
The plant operator swb and the battery storage solutions partner be.storaged are jointly constructing a large-scale battery storage facility in Bremen’s industrial port. The project is scheduled for completion on a swb site by the beginning of 2028.
The demolition of old facilities from the decommissioned coal blocks is planned for the current year. The construction of the new plant, which includes battery containers, transformers, and switchgear, will commence in 2027.
Efficient Reuse Of Power Plant Infrastructure
The location offers the advantage of repurposing land made available by the shutdown of former coal units. In addition, parts of the existing infrastructure, such as electrical systems for grid integration and facilities for fire protection, will be reused for the new project. The storage system will also be connected to the central control room of the power plant site.
Technical Data And Grid Connection
Upon final completion, the battery storage system will have an installed capacity of approximately 85 megawatts (MW) and a storage capacity of about 170 megawatt-hours (MWh). The investment volume is in the mid-double-digit million range.
The project will utilise the existing grid connection from the former coal power plant. It employs Flexible Connection Agreements (FCA). This allows the grid operator to use the storage to support grid stability without blocking new grid connection capacities.
Statements On The Project
Stefan Weber and Alexander Neuhaus, management of swb Erzeugung GmbH, stated: “With the battery storage, we are consistently pursuing the further development of our company. We are using the existing infrastructure at the port location and also creating space for modern energy technology. This investment creates additional flexibility for the entire energy system.”
Dr. Magnus Pielke, managing director of be.storaged GmbH, said: “This project is special in several respects: We are using the site of a decommissioned coal-fired power plant and are drawing on flexible grid connection capacities (FCA) instead of blocking new ones. This is precisely what shows how the energy transition can succeed in concrete terms.”
Role In The Energy Transition
The expansion of renewable energies increases the need for flexibility in the electricity system to balance fluctuations from wind and solar power generation. As a result, battery storage systems provide this flexibility and contribute to the stability of the power grid.
swb has previous experience with battery storage. The HyReK hybrid control power plant at the swb site in Hastedt has been in operation since 2019. It provides system services for the power grid and converts electricity into heat for the district heating network.
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