Trianel is developing a 900MW battery energy storage system in Waltrop, North Rhine-Westphalia, in what will become one of Germany’s largest such projects.
The municipal utility consortium is joined by Swiss infrastructure company BKW and German asset manager Luxcara, with other Stadtwerke partners set to join later this year.
The project will use a disused industrial site initially designated for the Trianel coal-fired power plant in nearby Lünen.
Phase one of the scheme includes three 300MW battery systems with a combined storage capacity of 1800MWh. A further 600MW is under preparation.
“Flexibility is the key to a successful energy transition,” said Trianel chief executive Sven Becker. “Battery storage systems are ideal for stabilising the overall system in a way that serves both the market and the grid.”
Luxcara has secured 520MW of capacity in the project. Investment manager Alexander Lüntzel said: “The conversion of an industrial wasteland previously designated for coal is a clear symbol of our commitment to driving the energy transition.”
BKW chief executive Robert Itschner said: “Large-scale batteries enable us to store renewable energy intelligently and act in a targeted manner. BKW brings expertise across the entire value chain.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 using modular LFP-based container systems, with commissioning targeted for Q1 2028.
The project is subject to antitrust approval.