The new storage system has a capacity of 40 MWh (40,000 kWh) and can deliver power up to 20 MW. The main task of the system is to store electricity during periods of excess supply in the grid and return it during periods of shortage, allowing it to profit from fluctuations in electricity prices.
In this way, Elli plans to actively participate in electricity trading on the European EPEX Spot exchange. The company also stated that new projects for similar storage systems are already being prepared.
The CEO of Volkswagen Group, Oliver Blume, was present at the launch ceremony. According to him, energy storage and electricity trading are becoming a new business direction with high growth potential. With the help of Elli, the group intends to manage, store, and sell electricity.
The technical basis of the system is PowerCo’s battery modules. Its Energy Storage Solutions division is developing industrial storage systems based on the so-called "Unified Cell", which in the future will be used both in electric vehicles and in stationary energy storage systems.
In Salzgitter, Volkswagen is forming a complete battery ecosystem: from the production of battery cells to stationary storage systems and further commercial energy implementation through Elli. Since December, the group has been producing battery cells at a nearby facility. Currently, these are NMC-type batteries. However, for frequent charge and discharge cycles typical for energy storage systems, LFP batteries are considered more suitable.
In the future, Volkswagen plans to create a Managed Battery Network that will integrate stationary storage and electric vehicle batteries with Vehicle-to-Grid technology, allowing car batteries to support the power grid.
Source: InsideEVs
