A grid-forming battery energy storage system (BESS) located in Foehren, Germany, has recently commenced operation. With a system capacity of 55 MWh / 21 MVA, the project forms part of the SUREVIVE demonstration initiative and is interconnected with the Schweich solar farm. It is recognized as the first industrial-scale BESS in continental Europe to adopt grid-forming technology.
The system comprises seven medium-voltage power stations (MVPS), equipped with Sunny Central Storage UP-S battery inverters and SMA’s Power Plant Manager software. Its primary functions include stabilizing the local distribution grid, supporting grid frequency and voltage, and enabling grid restart for connected substations following local outages. Additionally, the system lays the technical groundwork for Germany’s upcoming inertia market, scheduled to launch in 2026.
