Uniper, NGEN plan 50 MW/ 100 MWh BESS at Heyden coal power plant

German energy firm Uniper has announced its plans to build a battery storage system at the Heyden power plant site in Petershagen together with NGEN, a leading provider of energy storage solutions based in Slovenia. The battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 50 MW/100 MWh is expected to go into operation in 2025. 

The 2-hour BESS will consist of 26 energy storage packs consisting of battery modules, in addition to integrated inverter modules, a thermal system for cooling or heating the components, and an interface for operating the system.

The 875 MW Heyden coal power plant is expected to be decommissioned by the operator Uniper by the end of September this year. The site is considered as an ideal place for clean energy and storage facilities as its existing grid infrastructure can be retained and re-utilized. 

Energy storage systems enable more efficient utilization of all generation plants that feed electricity into the local grid because power can be stored and used when needed. They facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources by balancing the intermittent nature of renewables, and thereby help to improve grid stability.

"We are delighted to be realising this project with NGEN. Energy storage plays an important role in the development of the green growth business in Uniper's strategy. By using cutting-edge technology and expertise to develop sustainable solutions, we will play a central role in shaping the future of energy in Germany", Jan Taschenberger, COO New Green Power & Gas, Uniper SE. 

Roman Bernard, CEO of NGEN Group, commented on the development, "We are very excited to partner with Uniper on the battery storage project in Petershagen and to open our first office in Germany. This strategic collaboration will enable us to drive innovation, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy system in Germany". 

The project represents a significant step forward in the company's commitment to enhancing energy storage solutions and demonstrates its dedication to supporting Germany's energy transition goals, he noted. As part of the collaboration on this project, NGEN will open its first office in Germany in Frankfurt to further consolidate its presence in the European energy market.