Vattenfall’s battery portfolio now exceeds 1.2 GW supporting a more flexible and affordable energy system

Vattenfall’s battery portfolio has grown rapidly to exceed 1.2 GW in power, following the final investment decision for its Brunsbüttel battery in Germany and a recent agreement with Royal Vopak for battery capacity in the Netherlands.

'Battery storage helps build a more flexible, reliable and affordable energy system,' says Sjur Jensen, Head of Business Area Markets at Vattenfall. 'We combine our own assets with partnerships to market and optimise battery capacity for others, creating value for customers and partners while providing flexibility where the system needs it most.'

Why batteries matter

Batteries store electricity when plenty is available and release it when demand is higher. This helps keep supply and demand in balance and makes better use of existing grid infrastructure. Using stored electricity at busy times can reduce the need for more expensive back-up generation and ease pressure to build grid capacity solely for short periods of peak demand.

New projects drive rapid growth

The Brunsbüttel battery will have an output of 254 MW, while the agreement with Royal Vopak secures access to 100 MW of battery capacity near Meeden in the Netherlands. These developments come as Europe’s need for flexibility is rising fast.

'The new energy landscape needs more than renewable generation. It needs flexibility. Large-scale battery storage is key to providing that flexibility,' says Claus Wattendrup, Head of Solar and Batteries at Vattenfall. 'Investing in our own large-scale batteries gives us the flexibility to thrive in a changing power market and play a lasting role in the transition away from fossil fuels.'

Where the portfolio is growing

For scale, 1.2 GW of battery output could simultaneously supply more than 100,000 electric vehicles charging at 11 kW.(1)

1 Calculation: 1,200 MW / 11 kW ≈ 109,000 EVs

Original announcement link

Source: Vattenfall