- SMA Altenso (Altenso) has successfully commissioned its first in-house developed large-scale energy storage system for the Munich-based asset manager MEAG.
- The project, located in Metelen, North Rhine-Westphalia, is now fully operational and ranks among the largest battery storage installations in Germany to date.
With this landmark project, Altenso reinforces its leading position in the international battery-storage market, having implemented 2 GW of battery storage and maintaining an additional robust development pipeline exceeding 4.5 GW. The new Battery Park Metelen provides 92.5 MW / 231 MWh of storage capacity and supplies balancing power for frequency regulation and grid stabilisation.
State-of-the-art technology for battery energy storage systems
As EPC contractor, Altenso delivered the complete split-site facility, including medium voltage infrastructure. New technological standards are being set with the BESS Metelen. The installation comprises a 110 kV substation with a 100 tons high voltage transformer, 31 Medium Voltage Power Stations equipped with SMA Sunny Central Storage UP inverters, 62 battery platforms with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, and a newly constructed 600m power connection between substation and battery park site. Leveraging SMA’s advanced inverter technology and control systems, the project participates in both the day-ahead and intraday electricity markets as well as ancillary services.
Related news: SMA Altenso accelerates Africa expansion with focus on grid stability and battery storage
Altenso has transferred the Battery Park Metelen to MEAG
Altenso has completed the transfer of the Battery Park Metelen to MEAG. With the handover, ownership and operational responsibility for the asset have been assumed by the investor. Altenso will remain closely involved in the project and will take over ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M), ensuring reliable and efficient performance of the battery storage system throughout its operational lifetime.
Wiebke Krüger, Head of Operations, SMA Altenso: “The Battery Park Metelen stands for technological progress and our clear commitment to shape innovative energy solutions. State-of-the-art battery storage systems like this one enable a more efficient integration of renewable energy into the power system and make a significant contribution to strengthening grid stability in Germany. We would like to thank MEAG for the trusting partnership and our shared vision of the energy transition.”
Related news: SMA Altenso selected as preferred inverter/BESS supplier for Africa’s largest off grid solar park in Angola
More than just storage: flexibility, and local value
Battery energy storage systems are a cornerstone of modern, future-ready power infrastructure. Facilities such as Metelen play a critical role in integrating renewable energy, making electricity flexibly available when demand arises. Through the provision of fast-responding balancing power, the system compensates for fluctuations in renewable generation and supports frequency control. Combining high-performance technology with market-driven optimization, the project with a storage capacity of 231 MWh could theoretically supply enough electricity to meet the needs of approximately 140,000 households for four hours.
Strengthening a long-term partnership and future
At a second site in Hoexter, North Rhine-Westphalia, Altenso is currently constructing another utility-scale BESS for MEAG. The project (130 MW of power and 354 MWh of capacity) will feature SMA’s advanced SiC MOSFET inverter technology and the construction of two high-voltage grid connections, allowing the market rollout of two identical butfully independent energy storage systems
For enquiries on the African continent, please email the Altenso team in Cape Town at: Africa@SMA-Altenso.com
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
