Alpiq manages the largest battery storage facility in Switzerland

The battery’s key figures are impressive: 20 MW of power and a capacity of 18 MWh, a volume equivalent to seven shipping containers. The stored energy could be used to simultaneously operate around 11,000 computers for twelve hours or drive 1,400 electric cars a distance of around 100 kilometres each. The battery, which is financed by private investors, will be put into operation by MW Storage AG in the third quarter of 2020 in Brunnen. It will be used for ancillary services and, hence, to stabilise the Swiss transmission grid. Alpiq is responsible for managing and marketing the battery. For this purpose, Alpiq and MW Storage AG, which is based in the Canton of Zug, have concluded an agreement for an initial term of five years.

Secondary control power thanks to integration in the Alpiq portfolio

As a leading Swiss electricity producer, energy service provider and energy trader, Alpiq offers its customers tailored products such as market access, asset and risk management and flexibility marketing. This range of expertise enables profitable operation of the battery storage facility on behalf of MW Storage AG as of commissioning, and the system-compatible power can be optimally marketed.

Alpiq’s climate-friendly, CO2-free flexibility portfolio includes third-party systems, for example a storage battery in Maienfeld, in addition to its own storage power plants. Through integration into this unique pool, Alpiq can primarily use the 20-MW battery in Brunnen for valuable secondary control power. In a second step, Alpiq will apply to the national transmission grid operator, Swissgrid, to also qualify the battery for primary control power. The increasing fluctuating power from sun and wind sources places higher requirements in terms of grid regulation. As a result, flexible capacities, which make a contribution to the security of supply, are becoming increasingly important.

More information about Alpiq: www.alpiq.com