In line with its planned growth strategy, Alpiq is continuing to invest in flexible energy infrastructure by planning a large-scale battery in Niedergösgen (canton of Solothurn). With a capacity of 300 MW and a storage capacity of more than 1.2 GWh, the battery energy storage system, which is to be located adjacent to Alpiq’s Gösgen run-of-river power plant, will be one of the largest in Switzerland. A significant milestone was reached with the signing of a pre-connection agreement with Swissgrid, securing the project’s 300 MW grid connection capacity to the national transmission grid.
The planned 300 MW BESS in Niedergösgen is expected to play a key part in integrating the rapidly growing, weather-dependent output from renewable energy sources into the grid. Its proximity to key energy infrastructure, including the Gösgen nuclear power plant and Gösgen hydroelectric power plant, and its direct connection to the Swiss transmission grid at a central grid node provide ideal conditions for a project of this scale.
The planned facility is hoped to make a significant contribution to relieving the load on the Swiss transmission grid and supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
The signing of the pre-connection agreement with Swissgrid for the grid connection capacity marked a major milestone for this BESS project. Alpiq is now driving the project forward as fast as possible. Initial discussions with representatives of the relevant authorities have taken place. Maintaining a dialogue with the local community is important to Alpiq. Following the exchange of information, the planning application is expected to be submitted. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with commissioning planned for 2029.
