Our first step into the future of energy storage
2016 was a milestone for us: our first FCR storage facility was built on the campus of the Technical University of Munich, marking the start of a new era in energy storage.
With an output of 1.4 MW and a capacity of 1.2 MWh, this project was not only technically impressive, but also a symbol of innovation and courage. Originally designed exclusively for the provision of Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR), the plant has developed into a real-world laboratory. Here, we have gained crucial insights into the marketing of FCR, intraday trading, and even practical fire protection concepts, which we tested in collaboration with the Munich Fire Department.
How progressive was that in 2016?
When the storage facility went into operation, battery storage was still in its infancy. Large lithium-ion storage facilities were rare in Europe. Most projects were in the range of a few hundred kilowatts – a storage facility with 1.4 MW of power and 1.2 MWh of capacity was one of the largest of its kind in Germany at the time.
The technology used was also remarkable: lithium-ion cells from Samsung SDI and Daimler were considered state-of-the-art and were still new for stationary applications. The integration into the 20 kV voltage level and the modular design with battery container, inverter container, and compact transformer station was a highly modern concept.
The business models were also still in their infancy.
Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) was one of the few established areas of application for battery storage. Concepts such as intraday trading or the multiple use of storage facilities were still a long way off in 2016 – which is precisely why the further development of this project into a real-world laboratory was so important.
Technische Eckdaten auf einen Blick
- Power: 1.4 MW
- Capacity: 1,2 MWh
- Voltage level: 20 kV
- Cells: Samsung SDI | Daimler
- Design:
- 1 battery container (40 ft)
- 1 inverter container
- 1 compact transformer station
Outlook: What we have learned
For us, this project is more than just a technical success. It is a symbol of pioneering spirit and innovation. It shows how energy storage systems are evolving from pure grid stabilizers to flexible, market-oriented solutions—and how important it is to take that first bold step.
The findings from Garching are now being incorporated into new projects that are even more powerful, scalable, and economical. The future of energy storage lies in combining technical excellence with intelligent marketing concepts—and that is precisely what we are continuing to work on.
