Utility-scale BESS
Multi-MW / MWh battery container plants connected to the grid at medium or high voltage.
A grid asset, engineered like a power plant
A utility-scale BESS is developed like a power plant: land, grid connection, permits, financing, construction. We bring the engineering and the build — and we speak the language of developers, investors and grid operators.
Stand-alone BESS
A dedicated plant connected at MV or HV, optimised for ancillary services and arbitrage.
Co-located BESS
Sited next to a generation plant or existing substation to share the connection and infrastructure.
BESS for grid operators
Local grid support: congestion management, voltage support and investment deferral.
Where BESS revenue comes from
Sizing depends directly on the target markets. We build the business case with you, then design the plant so it can access them.
Primary control (FCR)
Automatic response within seconds to frequency deviations.
Secondary and tertiary control
aFRR and mFRR reserves activated by the transmission system operator.
Day-ahead and intraday arbitrage
Capturing price spreads between hours of the day.
Local grid services
Congestion management and voltage support for the distribution system operator.
The technical points that make the difference
- Power-to-energy ratio. Discharge duration chosen for the target markets and how they are evolving.
- Ageing and augmentation. Usable capacity guaranteed over time, with space and connection provisions for extensions.
- MV / HV substation and connection. Transformers, switchgear, protection, metering and communications with the grid operator.
- Safety and environment. Fire protection concept, clearances, containment, acoustics and landscape integration.
- Control. EMS, SCADA and open interfaces to the aggregator or trader.
Typical plant make-up
- Storage
- Lithium-ion battery containers with thermal management and battery management system (BMS).
- Conversion
- Bidirectional power conversion systems (PCS) and step-up transformers.
- Connection
- MV or HV delivery substation, protection and metering.
- Control
- EMS, SCADA, communications and cybersecurity.
What our EPC scope covers
Feasibility study
Site, use-case and grid-connection analysis, with a first cost estimate.
System sizing
Power, energy, discharge duration and ageing: the right system for your objective.
Business case
Revenue and savings model, CAPEX / OPEX and sensitivity analyses.
Permits and grid connection
Applications to the grid operator (DSO), the ESTI inspectorate and local and cantonal authorities.
Turnkey construction
Procurement, civil works, MV / LV electrical installation and control systems.
Commissioning and handover
Testing, performance verification, as-built documentation and operator training.
Frequently asked questions
What is a utility-scale BESS?
A battery storage system of several megawatts, typically made up of battery containers, power conversion systems and a transformer station, connected directly to the grid at medium or high voltage. It does not serve one particular consumer: it provides services to the power system and trades on the markets.
How does a grid-connected BESS earn revenue?
Mainly through ancillary services paid for by the transmission system operator (primary, secondary and tertiary control reserves) and through arbitrage on the day-ahead and intraday markets. These revenues are usually stacked and optimised by an aggregator or trader.
Do you market the battery's energy or flexibility?
No: our business is to design and build the asset. We do, however, make it market-ready — control interfaces, metering, prequalification requirements — for the aggregator or trader of your choice.
What permits does a multi-MW BESS need in Switzerland?
As a rule: a grid connection request to the network operator, plan approval by the ESTI inspectorate for the high-voltage parts, and a building permit. Fire protection and noise requirements come on top. We prepare and follow up all of these applications.
A site, a connection, a target capacity?
That is enough to start a feasibility study.