RWE Starts Construction of 220 MW Battery Storage Project in North Rhine-Westphalia

RWE has begun construction of one of Germany’s largest battery storage facilities at its power plant locations in Neurath and Hamm.

The facility will have a capacity of 220 megawatts (MW) and storage capacity of 235 megawatt hours (MWh). A total of 690 lithium-ion battery blocks will be installed at the facility, involving an investment of approximately 140 million euros. 

Roger Miesen, CEO RWE Generation: “As the proportion of renewables in the electricity mix increases, so does the need for flexible battery storage systems. They balance out fluctuations in the electricity grid in seconds, which means they are the key to a reliable electricity supply. In terms of size and technology, the new large-scale battery storage facility in Neurath and Hamm is setting standards throughout Europe.”

Lars Kulik, member of the Board of RWE Power: “With this battery storage facility, RWE is providing a major boost to structural transformation in North Rhine-Westphalia. By making practical use of the existing locations and grid connections, we are making the traditional power plant sites of Hamm and Neurath important partners for renewables.”

Klaus Krützen, Mayor of Grevenbroich: “The decision in favour of Neurath is an important signal from RWE to the entire region. So even after the exit from lignite, Neurath will continue to be important in helping to stabilise the grid and ensure a reliable electricity supply.”

Marc Herter, Mayor of Hamm: “The construction of the large battery storage facility at the Westfalen power plant once again underlines the tradition and importance of Hamm as an energy location. The large-scale battery storage facility secures the energy supply and forms an important foundation for the success of the energy transition. We are pleased that RWE is accompanying us on the way to a climate-neutral economy in Hamm.”

The BESS is scheduled to supply balancing energy to stabilise the electricity grid from second half of 2024. This will entail the plant taking excess power from the electricity grid and feeding it back into the system when required, in order to maintain the required grid frequency.

The battery storage facility will also be deployed on the wholesale market. Electricity will be taken into the storage system if electricity prices are low, and conversely will be fed out when prices are high. 

The planned battery storage facility can operate at its maximum capacity of 220 MW for over an hour. That is enough to charge the equivalent of about 4,000 EVs.