In time for Husum Wind, ENERCON is providing an attractive end-to-end approach combining wind farm with battery energy storage system for the next phase of the German energy transition

The launch of Wind+ Storage, beginning with the German market, marks a further expansion of ENERCON’s supplementary solution portfolio for wind turbines. The turnkey integration of battery energy storage system and hybrid controller in new or existing wind farms enables operators to access future-proof revenue opportunities and is the key to a regulated energy system based on renewable generation technologies.

"Economical costs of batteries and changes to regulations in the Renewable Energy Sources Act are creating very good framework conditions for the use of battery energy storage systems in combination with wind energy. Nevertheless, the implementation of hybrid projects is challenging in terms of the technology, regulations and commercial aspects", says ENERCON Product Manager Karen Hernandez. "With ENERCON Wind+ Storage, integration is tailored, secure and compliant with the grid. Upon request, we offer support to our customers throughout the entire project process – from the sizing of the hybrid power plant, its financing, project implementation and commissioning to the long-term maintenance."

ENERCON is providing an attractive end-to-end approach combining wind farm with battery energy storage system and hybrid controller for the next phase of the German energy transition

ENERCON draws on more than15 years of experience in the field of hybrid projects as well as its extensive in-house expertise and also supplies the necessary hardware and software components. This includes supplying a powerful hybrid controller that optimally coordinates the wind turbines, battery energy storage system, grid and further controllable units for a seamless grid integration and smart operation, or substations for direct feed-in to the public high-voltage grid.  

New revenue opportunities for wind farm operators

Battery energy storage systems integrated with intelligent hybrid controllers ensure that wind energy becomes more predictable and reliable, making its integration into the energy grid easier and opening up revenue options for hybrid power plant operators to complement the Renewable Energy Sources Act. "In addition to the fact that intermediate storage allows more energy to be monetised – energy that would otherwise be curtailed – other remuneration opportunities arise from providing system services for grid regulation or through optimised energy marketing", explains ENERCON CCO Uli Schulze Südhoff.  

From a technical perspective, the battery storage systems make it possible to intermediately store both green energy from onshore wind and energy from the grid. However, from a legal approval perspective the operator has to make a decision according to current regulations. "The main benefits of storing green energy from the wind farm is the accelerated approval procedure for battery storage systems as well as in the opportunity to avoid wind farm curtailments", says Benjamin Seifert, Regional Head of the Central Northern Europe region. ‘The so-called “overbuilding provision” also enables the available infrastructure to be used more efficiently and to feed in energy from the wind farm and battery storage system via the same grid connection point.’

Innovative solutions as a contribution to an affordable energy supply

"ENERCON Wind+ Storage is an excellent example of how we are using the diverse products and services of our wind turbine solution portfolio to tap the full potential of green energies, even under new conditions", says ENERCON CEO Udo Bauer. "As a company we are taking on the responsibility that comes with the next phase of the energy transition and continuing to work on contributing to a clean, secure and affordable supply of energy in Germany with innovative solutions."