In a landmark achievement, Wattstor and ENERGE have successfully implemented a cutting-edge 1.5 MW / 1.6 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for ancillary services in Slovakia, enhancing the country’s grid stability and fostering innovation.
Slovakia’s grid now benefits from the deployment of Wattstor’s state-of-the-art BESS, marking the first of several planned projects slated for 2024. This accomplishment not only solidifies Wattstor’s position as a leader in energy solutions but also opens avenues for financial gains for its collaborator, ENERGE, through system availability and activation events.
The 1.5 MW / 1.6 MWh BESS, commissioned specifically for integration into the Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) ancillary service, is a pivotal player in supporting grid stability and decarbonization objectives. Overcoming the challenges of certification, Wattstor, in partnership with ENERGE, navigated the intricate process efficiently, securing full certification and initiating operations early in 2024.
Matus Melis, Project Manager at ENERGE, commends Wattstor’s dedication to meeting stringent Slovakian standards, stating,”Wattstor tackled complex certification challenges head-on, ensuring the BESS met stringent Slovakian standards. We’re confident this system will deliver on its promise throughout 2024.”
The BESS units, functioning as grid shock absorbers, rapidly inject or withdraw power to counter fluctuations from renewable sources like wind and solar. This crucial role in maintaining frequency stability prevents blackouts, ensuring reliable power delivery.
As Slovakia pursues ambitious renewable energy targets, BESS systems play a critical role in facilitating the integration of clean energy without compromising grid stability. Wattstor’s BESS directly contributes to decarbonization goals, supporting the broader adoption of renewable energy.
Patrik Pinkos, Head of European Sales at Wattstor, highlights the company’s commitment to future collaborations with ENERGE, leveraging their extensive experience with over 100 projects and more than 60 MWh delivered across Europe. Pinkos states, “This is just the beginning. With certification for this model in hand and partnership with ENERGE, future deployments will be quicker and smoother. “
Wattstor’s success underscores the increasing demand for grid flexibility in Slovakia’s transition to renewable energy. Pinkos emphasizes the significance of BESS technology in this context, stating, “FCR is vital for maintaining grid stability with more renewables coming online. Our BESS technology is poised to play a key role in this exciting energy transition. What’s more, the recent introduction of Slovakia’s standalone BESS subsidy, makes this region a very attractive place to do business.”
Oliver Zuskin, co-founder of ENERGE, stated “The collaboration with Wattstor represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide innovative energy solutions and services. Our own digital platform equipped with a truly virtual terminal for ancillary services connected to Wattstor BESS will enable us to optimise grid performance and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure in Slovakia.”
