en.Wedoany.com Reported - Swiss energy group Alpiq is advancing a 300 MW battery energy storage project, having obtained a grid connection permit for the project in Niedergösgen, Canton of Solothurn. The project is one of the largest planned battery storage facilities in Switzerland, to be built adjacent to the Gösgen run-of-river hydropower plant, with a storage capacity designed to exceed 1.2 GWh. The project's progress is based on a new principle agreement signed between Alpiq and Swissgrid, the Swiss transmission system operator, which secures a 300 MW grid connection to the national extra-high voltage network.
Flexibility is becoming an increasingly important element in the energy system, driven by the growing deployment of renewable energy and increased generation volatility. Alpiq is pursuing a flexibility strategy centered on expanding battery storage, pumped storage, and other flexible generation asset technologies, aiming to balance power system fluctuations, better integrate renewable energy, and ensure supply security. The planned Niedergösgen battery storage facility is part of this strategy.
According to Alpiq, the company currently has a battery portfolio exceeding 1 GW across several core European markets, of which 130 MW is operational and 230 MW is under construction. The long-term goal is to expand storage capacity to several GW. This large-scale battery is designed to provide over four hours of electricity supply for approximately 500,000 households and help stabilize the Swiss transmission grid. Its proximity to the Gösgen hydropower plant, the Gösgen nuclear power plant, and a key grid node is considered a critical locational advantage.
Amédée Murisier, Head of Assets and Member of the Executive Board at Alpiq, stated that the Niedergösgen site brings together all the key conditions required for a large-scale battery project, being close to existing energy infrastructure and connected to important grid nodes. This battery energy storage system (BESS) project marks a milestone for Alpiq in implementing its growth strategy, as the company makes targeted investments in flexibility to contribute to supply security and renewable energy integration.
Following preliminary consultations with authorities, Alpiq plans to submit a construction application. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, and the battery energy storage system is expected to become operational in 2029. Through this project, Alpiq continues to expand its European storage portfolio, adding flexible storage technologies to its existing hydropower and pumped storage assets, aiming to strengthen its position in the field of system flexibility.
