Eisenacher large-scale storage solution promotes the integration of renewable energies into the power grid

26. September 2022

juniz dot element

The Wartburg storage facility in Eisenach is currently one of the largest battery storage facilities in Europe. In future, it will contribute to the integration of renewable energies into the electricity grid by balancing out the fluctuating feed-in of renewable energy and ensuring grid stability. Built and operated by Smart Power GmbH, the large-scale storage facility with a battery voltage of 1500 volts has a connected load of 60 MW and a capacity of 67 MWh. SMA is supplying 20 turnkey system solutions with battery inverters and coordinated medium-voltage technology for the project. With their grid-forming properties, they also contribute to securing the power supply in the event of a power failure.

Space-saving system design

One of the challenges in building the large storage facility was to take up as little space as possible. To achieve this, the plant was built in concrete and additional space was created on the 3.5-metre-high roof for the inverters, which weigh around 350 tons in total. Although the solid concrete construction method is more time-consuming and cost-intensive compared to a container concept, it offers numerous advantages in terms of the service life of the building. Following its planned completion in Q3/22, the storage facility will be used to provide PRL (primary control power), VNE (avoided grid charges) and intraday trading.

The SMA Sunny Central Storage UP battery inverters with grid-forming functions enable more efficient and flexible planning for storage power plants with an output of up to 3960 kVA at system voltages of up to 1500 VDC. The wide DC voltage ranges make them compatible with most battery technologies.

About SMA

As a leading global specialist for photovoltaic and storage system technology, the SMA Group is laying the foundations today for the decentralized and renewable energy supply of tomorrow. SMA’s portfolio includes a wide range of efficient solar and battery inverters, integrated system solutions for photovoltaic systems and storage systems of all power classes, intelligent energy management systems as well as charging solutions for electric vehicles and power-to-gas applications. Digital energy services and comprehensive services, including the provision of operational management and maintenance services for photovoltaic power plants, round off the offering. SMA inverters with a total output of over 115 GW are installed in over 190 countries worldwide. SMA’s award-winning technology is protected by over 1,700 patents and registered utility models. The parent company SMA Solar Technology AG has been listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92) since 2008 and is included in the TecDAX and SDAX.