SMA Altenso increases installed battery storage capacity to 2 GW
Niestetal, 21 May, 2026 – SMA 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 Bark Metelen provides 92.5 MW / 231 MWh of storage capacity and supplies balancing power for frequency regulation and grid stabilization.
“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.”
Wiebke KrügerHead of Operations, SMA Altenso“During the recent capacity tests, the plant exceeded its contracted capacity by approximately 10%.This is just one of several remarkable achievements associated with the Battery Park Metelen . I am grateful to be part of such a dedicated project team delivering outstanding work to bring this utility storage into commercial operation.”
Klaus-Martin LassnerProject Manager
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.
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.
Ralf Maletz, mayor of Metelen, as well as Stefan Sindeler, Investment Manager of MEAG, just visited the Battery Park Metelen.