Major Investment in Energy Storage Facility
Swiss-based Alpiq has placed a nearly EUR 20 million order with Merus Power for a 30 MW/36 MWh energy storage facility in Valkeakoski, Finland. This facility will connect to Fingrid’s grid. Merus Power will handle the project development and overall supply of the energy storage facility. Additionally, the companies have agreed on a contract for operation maintenance services.
Scheduled for Summer 2025
The delivery and commissioning of the energy storage facility are set for summer 2025. This investment includes an option for Alpiq to use Merus Power’s trading service in the future. Alpiq, a leading Swiss electricity producer, has a diverse portfolio including hydro, thermal, nuclear, and renewable energy assets.
Supporting Grid Balance and Renewable Integration
The Valkeakoski energy storage facility will support balancing generation and consumption in the grid by participating in Fingrid’s frequency reserve market. It will be one of Finland’s largest facilities in terms of power and energy capacity operating on this market.
Mikko Marttala, Project Development Director at Merus Power, stated, “Our agreement with Alpiq demonstrates the effectiveness of our energy storage strategy and contributes to their market position in Finland.”
Enhancing Security of Supply
Lukas Gresnigt, Head International and member of the Alpiq Executive Board, emphasized, “This investment strengthens security of supply in our core European markets and aligns with our corporate purpose. The energy transition requires integrating more intermittent wind and solar energy capacities.”
Advanced Technology and Expertise
The energy storage facility will react to changes in milliseconds, crucial for balancing fluctuations in the electric grid due to renewable energy sources. The modern facility supplied by Merus Power includes power electronics, intelligent software, and high-quality batteries. Merus Power, a leader in the Finnish market, designs and manufactures all products in Finland.
CEO Kari Tuomala of Merus Power highlighted, “Our tailored energy storage software and services meet specific customer needs, ensuring confidence and simplicity in using their devices and maximizing investment.”
This significant order from Alpiq marks a milestone in energy storage developments. The advanced facility in Valkeakoski will play a pivotal role in supporting the integration of renewable energy and enhancing the stability of the energy grid. This project exemplifies the growing trends in the solar energy market and the importance of innovative energy storage solutions.
Source:di.se