The project "ElChe" Wettringen: storage as an alternative to grid reinforcements - experiences, benefits and challenges from a DSO point of view

Abstract:
Storage assets are seen as an important element in the context of energy transition processes and the development of smart grids. Westnetz as Germanys largest distribution system operator has gained experiences with different technologies such as Power2Gas, biomass buffering or batteries to enable the suitable integration of renewables. With the project “ElChe Wettringen”, Westnetz has found a solution for an expedient integration of photovoltaic generators in the grid with an electrochemical asset (250 kW / 1MWh) as a technically interesting and beneficial alternative to conventional reinforcements. The concept and project is explained in this paper with insights in technical and economic findings and challenges. For this, excursus from a technical point of view (with respect to grid losses) and considering the regulation of grids (with respect to dealing with storage usage used for grid optimization in unbundled markets) are provided.