Fraunhofer study: batteries at substations could enable about 150 GW more solar in Germany

The useful part

Qualitas Energy Intelligently controlled battery storage at German substations could enable around 150GW of additional solar capacity on existing electricity networks, according to a new Fraunhofer IEE study. Solarwirtschaft (BSW-Solar), which commissioned the study, said the technical potential was identified across 1,313 rural substations with high levels of renewable energy. The study focuses on the actual utilisation of transformers throughout the year rather than considering only their rated capacity.

How it works

• Our study shows: there are considerable reserves in the existing grids if we use storage intelligently," said Carsten Körnig, managing director of BSW-Solar.
• The association is calling for existing grid capacity to be better utilised through battery storage and more flexible network operation, alongside continued grid expansion.
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What to take from it

Statistics Statistics The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. With an intelligently controlled and sufficiently sized battery absorbing generation peaks, only around one per cent of the additional solar electricity would need to be curtailed on average over the year because of transformer constraints.

Example or evidence

• In the study's central scenario, twice as much renewable generation capacity could be connected at a substation as the transformer can transmit simultaneously.
• "The answer to scarce grid capacity must not be to slow down the expansion of renewables.
• The study was produced by Fraunhofer IEE on behalf of BSW-Solar, with Schoenergie and meistro among the companies and BSW-Solar members involved in its financing.
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