BKW group takes another step in its giant storage battery project at Mühleberg

Swiss energy group BKW has reached a significant milestone in its large-scale battery storage project at the site of the former Mühleberg nuclear power plant. The Bern-based energy company announced it has secured the necessary grid connection capacity from the national company Swissgrid, paving the way for one of Switzerland's most powerful storage facilities.

The planned installation is designed to have a power output of 400 megawatts and a storage capacity of 800 megawatt-hours. BKW aims to commission the facility by early 2030. This project represents a crucial step in enhancing Switzerland's energy infrastructure and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.

Located at the former nuclear plant site, the project benefits from a direct connection to Swissgrid's transmission network. BKW has completed the feasibility study and is now entering the project planning phase, which will be followed by the approval process with the Federal Inspectorate for High-Voltage Installations (ESTI).

As renewable energy sources become more prevalent, grid stability and flexibility are increasingly important. These large batteries will absorb surplus energy generated by renewables, store it temporarily, and then release it back into the grid when demand is high or supply is low. This process helps to compensate for the fluctuations inherent in renewable energy generation, ensuring a more reliable and secure energy supply.

BKW emphasizes that these installations will not only stabilize the energy system but also increase the efficiency of electricity utilization, guaranteeing the safe integration of fluctuating power into the national grid.