Construction underway on large-scale battery storage system at Butterberg industrial park
Einbeck in the Northeim district of Lower Saxony is playing an active part in the energy transition by supporting this important infrastructure project. The development, construction and maintenance of the large-scale battery storage system is being managed by SMA Altenso (Altenso), a wholly owned subsidiary of SMA AG from Niestetal near Kassel, which implements renewable energy projects as a holistic solutions provider. Designed for an output of 24.5 MW and capacity of 64 MWh, the system is expected to be commissioned in early 2026. The project marks the start of a strategic partnership between Altenso and RheinEnergie, a Cologne-based electric utility company providing services across Germany. RheinEnergie will be operating and marketing the facility, while Altenso will take on all technical responsibilities.
BESS systems help to integrate renewables
This large-scale battery storage system and others like it are helping to drive efforts aimed at integrating renewable energies and improving grid stability. Such systems allow energy from renewable sources to be used more efficiently and reduce dependence on conventional energy providers. This approach allows for greater flexibility in the supra-regional utility grid, thus creating a secure energy supply throughout Germany that is ready for the future.
Einbeck joins the energy transition
On a plot measuring 3,000 square meters, the industrial park in Einbeck is the ideal location to build a battery storage system of this type thanks to its proximity to both a grid connection point and renewable energy sources.
The decision in favor of the system’s construction underscores the town's committed to playing an active part in shaping the energy transition and an energy supply that's ready to meet future needs. The town’s mayor, Dr. Sabine Michalek, welcomes the project: “With the large-scale battery storage system at Butterberg industrial park in Einbeck, we’re setting a good example that highlights the importance of investing in renewable energies and storage solutions. Our community is pleased to support this project.“
Innovative products for the energy supply of tomorrow
The battery storage system will be connected to the electrical substation in Einbeck at the medium-voltage level. Altenso’s plans for the system consist of 16 battery stations and eight medium-voltage stations that contain innovative central inverters manufactured by SMA Solar Technology AG. In addition, the system will have a transfer station equipped with all the components required for system control.
Altenso is supporting the project across the board, serving as a single-source provider for everything from development, to construction, to maintenance. Based on this approach, the company can ensure a high standard of quality and safety in the construction phase as well as during the system’s subsequent operation by RheinEnergie.
Innovative BESS system for intelligent operations
SMA’s central inverters, which are produced in Niestetal near Kassel, boast a high standard of quality and a long service life of up to 25 years. Developed by SMA as an innovative, end-to-end solution, a central energy management system monitors the flow of energy and ensures conformance with grid requirements, thus supporting RheinEnergie’s technical operations. In addition, all system components are equipped to communicate intelligently with one other as well as with system operator RheinEnergie and its marketing arm, RheinEnergie Trading GmbH. This creates the conditions for the battery storage system’s digitalization and paves the way for participation in the energy market of the future.
RheinEnergie and Altenso co-developing energy storage projects
The partnership between RheinEnergie and Altenso comprises the development, implementation and technical operation of large-scale battery storage projects across Germany. Over the next few years, the partners are aiming to jointly develop and realize projects with a capacity of several hundred megawatts. RheinEnergie Trading, RheinEnergie’s trading subsidiary, will take on the operational management of the battery storage systems. Einbeck marks the collaboration’s starting point and is leading the way for further projects that are currently in the development stages.