A major leap toward energy flexibility is underway in North Rhine-Westphalia, as Trianel GmbH, in collaboration with Luxcara and BKW AG, embarks on the development of one of Germany’s largest battery storage parks. Located in Waltrop, near the Ruhr region, the facility will initially deliver 900 MW of power capacity and 1,800 MWh of energy storage.
Trianel is spearheading the project, which will be built on a previously unused site originally intended for the Trianel Lünen coal power plant. The project highlights a shift from fossil fuels to clean, flexible energy solutions.
In the first expansion phase, three battery energy storage systems (BESS) of 300 MW each will be installed, with an additional 600 MW in planning. The modular storage units will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, known for their durability and safety.
Luxcara, a German asset manager focused on sustainable infrastructure, has secured 520 MW of capacity. Alexander Lüntzel, Investment Manager at Luxcara, emphasized the project’s strategic location and symbolic reuse of brownfield industrial land for renewable infrastructure.
BKW AG, based in Bern, Switzerland, brings deep expertise across the energy value chain. CEO Robert Itschner noted that large-scale batteries provide vital capabilities to store and optimize renewable power for grid stability and market trading.
Trianel’s Sven Becker highlighted the role of flexibility in stabilizing the grid amid increasing renewable volatility. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with commissioning targeted for Q1 2028, pending antitrust approval.
Additional municipal utilities within the Trianel network are expected to join the consortium throughout the year.
