EnBW has launched an integrated energy park in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, merging solar power, wind power, and battery storage into a single, innovative site. This project, claimed to be the first of its kind, could set a new precedent for renewable energy integration.
The energy park, spanning 64 hectares, currently hosts a 58MW photovoltaic (PV) plant, the second largest in the state. Approximately 110,000 PV modules occupy 55 hectares of the site. EnBW CEO Georg Stamatelopoulos expressed pride in the company’s record year for renewable expansion, highlighting the project as an example of multi-technology synergy.
A novel hybrid battery storage system is being installed, combining 12 used Audi e-tron batteries with a sodium-ion system. This 2.25MWh, 1.22MW facility is touted as the largest of its kind in Europe. The system can power around 3,400 households for two hours, demonstrating the potential of repurposed electric vehicle batteries in grid storage.
Two wind turbines are also planned, with the approval process underway. Baden-Württemberg Minister for the Environment, Climate and Energy Sector Thekla Walker emphasized the cost-saving benefits of combining solar and wind energy with a common substation. She also noted the project’s role in advancing recycling and resource efficiency.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems is developing an energy management system to optimize technology integration, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. This research partnership underscores the project’s potential to drive innovation in renewable energy management.
The energy park’s annual output could meet the electricity needs of about 30,000 households. By integrating multiple renewable technologies and storage solutions, this project may influence future developments in the sector, encouraging more comprehensive and efficient energy systems. The successful implementation of this model could inspire similar projects worldwide, accelerating the transition to renewable energy and promoting sustainable practices in the industry.