Battery Storage to Boost Grid Stability at Zeewolde Wind Farm

Battery storage is set to play a pivotal role in the sustainable energy landscape of the Netherlands. Rolls-Royce has received an order from Battery Park Zeewolde (BPZ) to supply a large-scale battery storage system. This system, featuring an output of 32.6 Megawatts and a storage capacity of 65.2 Megawatt hours, is scheduled to be operational by summer 2025. This initiative highlights the incredible strides being made towards sustainable energy storage and grid stability.

Key Features and Benefits of the Battery Storage System

The mtu EnergyPack QG system provided by Rolls-Royce is designed to enhance energy trading and grid services markets. One of its primary benefits is increasing the stability of the Dutch electricity grid. Located adjacent to the Zeewolde wind farm substation, the battery system will store excess energy generated during periods of strong winds, preventing grid overloads. This stored energy will then be available during periods of low wind, ensuring a consistent supply of green electricity.

Sjoerd Sieburgh, Director of Windpark Zeewolde, emphasised the system’s importance: “With the batteries, we are going to be supporting the grid in improving security of supply and reducing grid congestion – so we can use our electricity much more intelligently.”

Expanding Sustainable Energy Storage Capabilities

The BPZ battery storage park is one of two significant battery projects planned around the Zeewolde substation. The second project, BES Vogelweg Zeewolde BV, is currently seeking final investment and aims to add a further 140 MWh of battery capacity. Additionally, a hydrogen plant is in the approval process, set to produce green hydrogen for local industry.

Once completed, the battery park will cover approximately 2,000 square metres and will be one of the largest in the Netherlands. The energy stored annually will equate to the average electricity consumption of around 12,000 households, marking a significant step towards a sustainable energy supply.

Related: Understanding CATL’s TENER Energy Storage System

The Strategic Importance of Battery Storage

As renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, become more prevalent in the Netherlands, battery storage will play a crucial role in ensuring grid stability. With the unpredictability of weather patterns affecting the output of these sources, having a reliable storage system is essential to maintaining a consistent supply of electricity. Batteries can also provide ancillary services such as frequency regulation and voltage control, which are critical for maintaining a stable grid.

Battery storage systems are crucial for the energy transition. Andreas Görtz, President Sustainable Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, stated, “Battery energy storage systems are a key contributor in the energy transition. They are a central component of our strategic business areas – enabling us to sustainably and reliably strengthen energy security worldwide.”

These systems not only support energy security but also involve local communities. In Zeewolde, over 200 farmers, residents, and entrepreneurs are co-owners of the wind farm and the new battery farm, forming the largest farmer/citizen wind collective in Europe.

Collaborations and Future Prospects

The battery storage project in Zeewolde involves collaborations with multiple companies. The Austrian plant and energy service provider Equans is handling the electrical work, while Van Boekel, a construction company, is responsible for civil engineering. These collaborations underscore the multidisciplinary efforts required to achieve such ambitious sustainable energy goals.

The BPZ battery storage system demonstrates how companies can work with local governments and energy providers to reach sustainable energy goals. As more countries pursue renewable energy targets, large-scale battery storage systems like this will be vital for transitioning to a greener future. Therefore, it’s essential for companies to invest in and develop innovative energy storage solutions that are efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.

At PRV Engineering, we provide precision engineering and custom fabrication services to various sectors, including oil and energy. With our vast experience across many industries, be sure to follow our weekly blog for more interesting updates and news on engineering, manufacturing and technology such as battery storage, among many others.