Belectric’s ‘Energy Buffer Unit’ provides balancing service to grids with high renewable energy

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Belectric’s Energy Buffer Unit (EBU) has been successfully prequalified for 1.3MW frequency response by a German transmission network operator (TNO) that provides frequency response balancing for reliable grid operation when taking into account large quantities of renewable energy being connected to grid. Belectric’s EBU system delivers a state-of-the-art battery based energy storage system in a container solution.

Problem

With increased adoption of renewable energy, grid operators have to better manage fluctuations in the transmission network. Large-scale battery storage improves the safety of transmission network operation, even during heavy fluctuations like a generator or interconnector trip. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution

Belectric’s EBU system can be prequalified for frequency response on the German transmission network with up to 650kW, taking into account reserve capacity required by the German TNOs. The advanced lead-acid batteries were developed for a long service life and high cycling stability for high performance applications. EBU system standardization enabled Belectric to offer a cost-effective utility scale energy storage system. Services from the EBU will be offered on the frequency response market on a weekly basis. Due to rising prices in this market over the last three years, attractive business models are now appearing for the use of energy storage.

Applications

Energy Buffer Unit is for frequency response and other cyclic grid applications.

Platform

The EBU is shipped with power inverter and medium voltage transformer and features a nameplate power between 800kW and 1400kW, depending on configuration. It has a storage capacity of 948 kWh and is available starting at €560,000. BELECTRIC UK is also collaborating with UK’s National Grid to demonstrate frequency and voltage stability of distribution networks — protecting the UK from power blackouts and instability — and so reduce the grid’s reliance on spinning reserve. The Enhanced Frequency Control Capability (EFCC) project is using grid monitoring and control system that identify potential problems as they arise and uses the EBU unit and management technology to rectify them.

Availability

May 2015 onwards. 

Read Next

August 8, 2025
This week several solar developers have raised funds for projects around the world, including BRUC in Europe, Greenalia in the US, Qair in Mauritius and CREC in Philippines.
August 8, 2025
German solar inverter manufacturer SMA Solar posted losses in the first half of 2025, as demand in the residential and corporate & industrial (C&I) solar sectors 'remains weak'.
August 8, 2025
US solar tracker manufacturer Array Technologies has posted revenue of US$362.2 million in the second quarter of this year.
Premium
August 8, 2025
Energy storage escaped much of the pain inflicted on solar, but foreign entity restrictions may create some supply-chain challenges.
August 8, 2025
Solar PV is likely to become less accessible to low-income Americans after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cancels the US$7 billion Solar For All scheme.
August 8, 2025
Argentinian renewables developer Genneia has reached commercial operations at its 180MW Parque Solar Anchoris in Argentina.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines