Switzerland’s largest battery storage facility has begun operations in Gurtnellen, combining 50 MW and 8.4 MW systems developed by Axpo and Energie Uri. The Fluence-supplied project will support grid flexibility.
Switzerland’s largest battery storage facility to date was inaugurated on Wednesday in Plattischachen, in the municipality of Gurtnellen in the canton of Uri. Axpo and Energie Uri, the two energy companies behind the project, announced the start of operations.
The project comprises two battery energy storage systems built in close proximity. Axpo’s system has a power capacity of 50 MW, while Energie Uri’s system has a capacity of 8.4 MW.
When construction began just under a year ago, Axpo said its facility would provide two hours of storage. Fluence supplied the battery systems. Axpo did not initially disclose the investment amount. A response to an inquiry from pv magazine was pending at the time of publication.
“Such projects also bring technological know-how to the canton, generate contracts for local companies in Uri, and secure jobs in the region. Uri benefits from this in ways that go beyond just energy supply,” said Hermann Epp, a member of the cantonal government and director of construction for the canton of Uri.
