The expansion of battery storage systems is progressing rapidly. Given the increasing grid congestion due to the simultaneous growth of renewable energy installations, grid-neutral or grid-supportive operation is becoming increasingly important. Despite their potential to enhance grid stability, there are currently no market-based incentives for such operation, and grid operators are generally not allowed to operate storage systems – except in exceptional cases. However, there is a way to harness this potential. Section 11a EnWG provides grid operators with a powerful tool: They can tender the operation of storage systems and define specific requirements for grid-supportive operation – for example, prohibiting discharging during periods of high renewable energy feed-in.

This approach offers several advantages:

• Avoidance or reduction of grid congestion
• Integration of flexibility into the grid
• Planning reliability and streamlined connection procedures for project developers

Initial applications of this option are already underway.

Conclusion:
Section 11a EnWG can create a true win-win situation for both grid and storage operators.
We are seeing more and more grid operators engaging with this topic in our collaborations.

If you would like to learn more, our colleagues Henrik Schwaeppe and Christopher Kneip are happy to discuss it with you!