Vattenfall takes final investment decision on major battery project in Germany
Vattenfall will build a large battery storage facility at its Brunsbüttel site. With an output of 254 MW and a storage capacity of around 1,000 MWh, it is one of Germany's largest battery storage projects and Vattenfall's largest battery project to date.
The project will be built on the site of the former Brunsbüttel nuclear power plant, which is currently being decommissioned. The battery and its connection to the 50 Hertz transmission grid are expected to be operational by the end of 2028. Batteries are becoming a critical part of the infrastructure that enables the energy transition.
Claus Wattendrup, Head of Solar & Batteries at Vattenfall, said: “This is excellent news for Brunsbüttel as an energy hub, and we are excited to move forward with this project. Batteries play a key role in the future energy system, balancing electricity demand and supply. As generation from solar and wind power continues to grow, powerful storage solutions are essential for strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports.”
Demand for battery storage is rising rapidly as renewable generation expands. Germany’s transmission system operators expect large-scale battery storage capacity to exceed 80 GW by 2040, reflecting its growing role in integrating renewable electricity and keeping the grid stable.
The Brunsbüttel standalone battery marks another important step in Vattenfall’s flexibility strategy. Once operational, it will almost double the company’s battery capacity. The existing portfolio comprises 150 MW in operation and 120 MW under construction, most of it co-located with wind and solar projects.
In parallel, Vattenfall is expanding its flexibility optimisation business, managing and marketing battery capacity on behalf of third-party asset owners. By 2029, the company aims to optimise a battery portfolio of up to 1,500 MW. Together, Vattenfall’s owned battery assets and optimisation services will help integrate more renewable electricity into the grid while supporting a more flexible, reliable and affordable energy system.
Brunsbüttel battery facts:
Installed capacity: 254 megawatts (MW)
Storage Capacity: up to 1,000 MWh
Location: Brunsbüttel nuclear power plant site (currently being decommissioned)
Grid connection: 50 Hertz 380 kV transmission system
Expected commissioning: end of 2028
For more information, please contact:
Vattenfall’s Press Office, +46 8 739 50 10, press@vattenfall.com
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