Distributed energy storage system in Switzerland

The introduction of distributed energy storage represents a fundamental change for power networks, increasing the network control problem dimensionality and adding long time-scale dynamics associated with the storage systems' state of charge levels.

Axpo commissioned its BESS in February this year while utility Thurplus commissioned a 3MW system in September last year. But Switzerland was the location for one of the largest energy storage projects commissioned in recent years, a 20GWh pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) unit which started operations in June 2022 in the Canton of Valais.

Electricity storage is not separately defined in the Swiss legislative framework. The biggest obstacle for electricity companies is to obtain a construction permit and a concession for the operation of a pumped storage plant, which is granted for a maximum of 80 years.

MW Storage is a developer of BESS projects which is also active in the German market, with a 100MW/200MWh project underway that it claimed is the country's largest. The inauguration ceremony for the BESS project. Image: EWS AG. EWS AG and MW Storage have expanded a battery storage project in Switzerland to 28MW, making it the country's largest.

It is being monetised in the Swiss electricity market by both CKW, part of Axpo, and utility Alpiq, the announcement said. The BESS is part of a network of power plants, consumers and batteries, it added. The large-scale BESS market in Switzerland has been relatively quiet with renewable penetration on the country's grid still relatively low.

The BESS is part of a network of power plants, consumers and batteries, it added. The large-scale BESS market in Switzerland has been relatively quiet with renewable penetration on the country's grid still relatively low. Axpo commissioned its BESS in February this year while utility Thurplus commissioned a 3MW system in September last year.