A shift towards advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Germany is set to reshape the energy landscape as companies like Green Flexibility emerge as key players. Founded by CEO Christoph Ostermann, a former co-founder of sonnen, Green Flexibility is focused on developing and operating large-scale BESS to enhance grid stability and reduce energy curtailment. The firm is strategically targeting the fast-growing German market, which currently boasts an impressive 100GW of installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity and aims to exceed 200GW by 2030.
In an official statement, Ostermann highlighted the importance of “long-term reliability, the highest safety standards, and the best technology” in making energy transitions stable and reliable. His remarks underscore the firm’s ambitious plans to position itself as a leading independent flexibility provider (IFP) by monetising its storage capabilities through long-term contracts.
The evolving character of the German BESS market indicates a notable transition in the profile of owner-operators. According to a detailed analysis conducted by Energy-Storage.News in 2022, early deployments of large-scale BESS predominantly involved established utilities and independent power producers such as RWE and LEAG. However, the landscape is changing rapidly with the entry of clean energy developer-operators like Gore Street Capital, Aquila Clean Energy, and Nofar Energy, alongside new BESS specialists like Eco Stor and Terralyr. This diversification reflects increasing investment in the sector as more companies recognise the potential of BESS.
The commercialisation strategy of Green Flexibility aligns with practices common in the Dutch market, where BESS projects are often partitioned into segments and leased to various users to harness flexibility. This approach, also noted in a recent Premium article, reveals a common trend towards shared resource models within the industry. Meanwhile, Eco Stor, having pivoted from a strong engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) foundation, is beginning to own and operate its projects, signalling a commitment to deeper involvement in the BESS ecosystem.
System integration remains another pivotal factor as the German market advances. Lars Stephen from Fluence recently detailed significant trends expected to influence the market by 2025, highlighting the advent of GWh-scale projects and the introduction of 4-hour BESS systems. Additionally, Stephen pointed to the growing tendency among distribution system operators (DSOs) to adopt BESS technology, further solidifying the essential role these systems will play in Germany's energy transition.
As companies like Green Flexibility work to capitalise on favourable growth trends and implement innovative strategies within the BESS sphere, the broader implications for business practices across the energy sector are becoming increasingly evident. With a focus on stability, reliability, and technological advancement, the German BESS market is poised for substantial evolution in the coming years.
Source: Noah Wire Services