Initially, the JV aims to deliver 500MW/1GWh of battery energy storage solutions (BESS).
Batteries deliver flexible power to overcome the challenges of intermittency and short-term energy gaps as more renewables come onto the energy system. Flexibility will become increasingly important as sectors such as industry, heat and transport electrify, and artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres increase the demand for power.
Utility-scale batteries are still in their infancy in Germany, with less than 2GWh online. To enable the German government’s target of 80% renewables by 2030, the Fraunhofer Institute estimates Germany will need around 100GWh of flexible power in the energy system. Of this, two-thirds will come from utility-scale batteries, requiring a significant development pipeline to achieve.
Dr Jorge Pikunic, chief executive of VPI, said: “As more renewables come onto the German energy system, we will see increasing challenges of short-term energy gaps caused by the weather. Batteries play an important role in delivering flexible energy hour by hour, which is especially important as power demand increases through electrification and data needs, and as coal and lignite are phased out. However, the technology is still nascent in Germany so needs significant investment and focus to develop. Quantitas Energy has developed a project pipeline and deep relationships with key German stakeholders such as landowners, local municipalities, and distribution system operators. Together we can help develop the infrastructure needed to help facilitate Germany’s energy transition.”
Dr Theodor Borsche, founder of Quantitas Energy, said: “We believe batteries are a crucial piece of the energy transition puzzle and will enable Germany to reach its ambitious target of 80% renewables by 2030. We are looking forward to growing our venture into a leading independent flexibility provider in the German and European power system.”