RWE has finalised plans to construct a 400MW battery storage system in Lingen, Lower Saxony, Germany, marking a significant step in the region’s energy infrastructure development. The facility, set to become the largest of its kind in the area, will be built on the former Dralon site near the Emsland gas-fired power plant. With a storage capacity of at least 800 megawatt-hours, the system is designed to provide balancing energy and stabilise the electricity grid. RWE aims to commence construction on February 2, with operations expected to begin in 2028.
The Lingen battery storage system will incorporate advanced technology to offer additional grid services, including instantaneous reserve (inertia), enhancing grid resilience and flexibility. The installation will comprise over 200 lithium-ion battery units, more than 100 inverters, and a range of transformers and switch panels. The system will connect to the regional electricity grid via Amprion’s Hilgenberg substation, located less than 50 meters from the site. All necessary permits have been secured, and preparation works are set to begin on an 8.5-hectare area within the industrial estate.
RWE Generation CEO Nikolaus Valerius emphasised the strategic importance of the project, stating, “With the expansion of renewable energies, the demand for firm capacity is growing. New gas-fired power plants and battery storage facilities complement each other perfectly in this regard: while gas-fired power plants step in when wind and solar power fail to supply energy for hours or days, battery facilities primarily bridge short-term gaps or periods of peak load. Our new battery storage facility in Lingen will absorb or feed in power within a few milliseconds, depending on demand. It will thus make an important contribution to grid stability and reliable electricity prices.”
This development aligns with RWE’s broader strategy to expand its global battery storage capacity. As of the end of the third quarter of 2025, RWE operates approximately 1.2GW of battery storage capacity worldwide, with an additional 2.7GW under construction across the US, Europe, and Australia. The company’s recent agreement to sell its F.E.W. Baltic II offshore wind project in Poland highlights its focus on strategic asset management and growth in the energy transition sector.
The Lingen battery storage system is poised to play a crucial role in supporting the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. By providing rapid response capabilities and enhancing grid stability, the facility will contribute to the reliability and affordability of electricity. This project underscores RWE’s commitment to innovation and its role in shaping the future of energy infrastructure. As the energy sector continues to evolve, such investments are likely to spur further advancements in battery storage technology and grid management, fostering a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape.