An energy storage project with a capacity of 1.8 GWh is set to be built in Germany.
One of Germany’s Largest Battery Storage Parks to Be Built in Waltrop.
A major battery energy storage park will be built in Waltrop, North Rhine-Westphalia. The project, with a capacity of 900 megawatts and 1,800 megawatt-hours, is being developed by the special-purpose entity Trianel Batteriepark Waltrop GmbH & Co. KG, formed by three strategic partners: Trianel GmbH, Swiss utility BKW AG, and German infrastructure asset manager Luxcara.
A New Era on the Ruins of the Old
Construction will begin in 2026 on an unused industrial site that was originally designated for the Trianel coal-fired power plant near Lünen. This symbolic transformation of space into a green energy hub reflects the direction of Germany’s energy transition.
“Transforming this site is not just an investment in technology, but in Europe’s future. Flexibility in the energy system is the foundation of a successful transition,” said Sven Becker, CEO of Trianel.
Three Pillars of the Investment
The project involves building three battery systems, each with a capacity of 300 MW, using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology, known for its high safety and durability. The initial storage capacity will total 1,800 MWh, with an option to expand by another 600 MW.
Luxcara has acquired a stake amounting to 520 MW of capacity and 1,040 MWh of energy storage. As project manager Alexander Lüntzel emphasized:
“Locating the storage system near a 380 kV transmission hub in Germany’s most energy-intensive region ensures maximum benefits for the entire European electricity system.”
BKW AG will be responsible for building and operating a segment of 300 MW / 600 MWh, investing over €200 million. According to Robert Itschner, BKW’s CEO:
“Large-scale energy storage enables smart management of renewable energy surpluses and ensures grid stability. In Waltrop, we are making a major step toward a more resilient Europe.”
Grid and Market Support
Due to its location near Dortmund—a heavy industry hub—and direct access to the European transmission network, the new battery park will play a crucial role in balancing the variability of renewable energy, integrating green power, and providing system services. The project will operate under tolling agreements, and a decision from Germany’s Federal Cartel Office is expected in the coming months.
For Trianel, BKW, and Luxcara, Waltrop marks the beginning of broader collaboration. Additional German municipal utilities are expected to join the project company in 2025. The project also aligns with BKW’s goal to build over 500 MW of energy storage systems by 2030.
Source: https://www.windkraft-journal.de/