Grid-scale battery storage and flexibility trading

Grid-scale batteries are grid-connected energy storage systems in the megawatt range with direct connection to the power grid (front of the meter). They can absorb or release electricity within seconds – independent of the time of generation.

Their contribution to the energy transition:

• Making generation more flexible: Make renewable energy available when it’s needed.
• Avoid curtailment: Store excess power instead of shutting down production.
• Stabilize the grid: Balance voltage and frequency in real time.
• Increase renewables share: Enable more green electricity to enter the grid.
• Capture market opportunities: Monetize price fluctuations through targeted trading.

Automated flexibility trading is the key to unlocking the full economic potential of a battery storage system.
Flexibility trading means leveraging the fast response capability of a battery directly in the power market – through the short-term buying and selling of electricity.

How it works:

• Asset-backed trading: only electricity or capacity that the battery can physically secure is traded
• Day-ahead & intraday markets: electricity is traded the day before or up to 15 minutes before delivery
• Ancillary services markets: prequalified batteries provide grid-stabilizing services (frequency containment reserve, automatic and manual frequency restoration reserves)
• Trading without physical dispatch: previously purchased positions can be resold before delivery – without battery usage, without degradation, but with revenues

• Direct marketing: electricity from renewable plants (EEG) is sold continuously on the market – focus: predictable generation and grid integration
• Flexibility trading: focus on response speed and price optimization – electricity is traded on demand and close to market signals