More flexibility is needed in the electricity grid so that renewable electricity production can be further expanded. Battery storage systems play a key role in this.
One of the largest battery storage facilities in Switzerland is being built in Kappel SO
With the battery storage system, Primeo Energie is making its regional contribution to the implementation of the federal government's Energy Strategy 2050. The battery is used to compensate for short-term deviations between electricity consumption and production. This allows fluctuations in renewable generators to be balanced out and security of supply to be better guaranteed. When implementing the project, Primeo Energie made a conscious decision in favour of sustainable solutions and, for example, opted for transformers with vegetable oil-based bio-oil, which - unlike fossil mineral oil - is biodegradable and not hazardous to water. In addition, the project's switchgear does not use sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), an insulating gas that is harmful to the climate, and the roof of the building is equipped with a PV system.
«The planned large-scale battery will be used to compensate for weather-related fluctuations in the rapidly growing renewable electricity production. It will thus make an important contribution to security of supply and underlines Primeo Energie's commitment to providing effective solutions for a successful energy transformation.»
Components and properties of the battery storage system
- Electrical system data: 30MW (grid power) / 80MWh (energy content)
- 5 battery systems, each with four CATL EnerC+ battery containers (lithium-ion cell technology - lithium iron phosphate cells (LFP cell) with 306Ah)
- WSTech MCS inverters
- Transformers (vegetable oil-based bio-oil for insulation and cooling instead of fossil mineral oil)
- Switchgear without the greenhouse-effective insulating gas SF6
- Planned service life approx. 15 years. Subsequent recycling of recyclable materials by network partners
Project sequence and plan presentation
| Zeitraum | Projektphase |
|---|---|
2022 | Feasibility study |
Q1/2024 | Project start Implementation project |
Q2/2024 | Contract award |
Q1/2025 | Start of construction |
Q4/2025 | Completion and commissioning of battery systems 1 to 4 |
2026 | Completion and commissioning of the battery system 5 |
Project organisation
More than 20 subcontractors are involved in the entire project. The main players and their respective roles in the project are listed below
- Primeo Netz AG (planning, project planning, operation and maintenance)
- Intilion AG (integrator and BESS system supplier)
- Primeo Energie AG (marketing)
Project management Primeo Energie
- Overall project management: Jan Baumann, Primeo Netz AG
- Construction sub-project management: Pablo Frezzi, Primeo Netz AG
- Procurement sub-project management: Viktor Grezinger, Primeo Netz AG
- Investor: Lukas von Känel, Primeo Battery AG
«An experienced and highly motivated team is working hand in hand with several suppliers on this challenging project. The project team is proud to be actively involved in shaping the energy transition.»
Questions - Answers
A battery storage system stores electrical energy that can be fed back into the power grid at a later point in time. This is usually done using lithium-ion batteries, which chemically store electricity when charging and release it again when discharging.
With the expansion of renewable energies - such as solar and wind power - the electricity grid is becoming increasingly dynamic. Electricity consumption fluctuates, as does production. Battery storage systems provide the necessary flexibility by temporarily storing surplus electricity and releasing it when required. They help to avoid grid bottlenecks and ensure security of supply even when production fluctuates.
- Fast response time
- High efficiency
- Modular design
- Site flexibility: In contrast to pumped storage power plants, they do not require any geographical conditions such as differences in altitude or large water reservoirs.
One of the largest battery storage facilities in Switzerland is being built in Kappel (canton of Solothurn). With an output of 30 MW and a storage capacity of 80 MWh, the facility will be able to compensate for short-term differences between electricity production and consumption. Primeo Energie is thus actively contributing to the implementation of the Swiss government's Energy Strategy 2050 - specifically by integrating renewable energies and strengthening grid stability.
Primeo Energie consciously favours environmentally friendly components:
- Bio-oil for cooling and insulating the transformers
- No use of SF6, a gas with a high greenhouse effect
- LFP battery cells do not contain any toxic heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium or cobalt
- Planned recycling of battery systems by partner companies
These measures emphasise our commitment not only to promoting renewable energy, but also to doing so sustainably and responsibly.
Modern battery storage systems are equipped with several safety systems to prevent overheating, short circuits or overcharging. Strict standards and regulations also apply to planning, construction and operation.
The service life depends on the cell chemistry and the mode of operation. Typically, it is 10-20 years or several thousand charging cycles. At the end of their service life, they are dismantled using specialised recycling processes, whereby valuable raw materials such as lithium or copper can be recovered.
