CDM Smith Builds Largest Grid Battery Storage System in the World

With a total output of 250 MW per hour and set on an area the size of 4.5 soccer fields, the Kupferzell grid booster is setting new standards as the world's largest grid battery storage facility. The new grid booster will help reduce the operating costs of the German trans­mis­sion grid, enable more efficient use of the grid operator's existing and new power lines and keep the power grid stable during trans­mis­sion line outages – all within millisec­onds.

Involved since the planning stages, CDM Smith is responsible for the compre­hen­sive services for execution and construc­tion. To enhance the planning process, the CDM Smith project team has crafted a 3D model (BIM) depicting the future battery storage system, with ongoing refinement slated throughout the construc­tion process.

After receiving approval for an early construc­tion start, CDM Smith began preparatory groundworks and general site development in September 2023. Construc­tion milestones expected for 2024 include foundations for the battery facilities, including inverters and trans­form­ers, an operational building and the associated infra­struc­ture, drainage systems, reservoir ducts, cable ducts, roads, outdoor facilities and landscaping. The grid booster is expected to be ready for trial operation by 2025.

The Grid Booster Kupferzell project was awarded the ICPMA Sustain­abil­ity Award at the ICPMA Awards Ceremony in 2023, a prestigious award that honors excellence and innovation in project management. For many years, companies and orga­ni­za­tions have been recognized for their expertise and dedication to providing outstanding solutions in the construc­tion and infra­struc­ture industry. At the award ceremony, project manager Dr. Constantin Prins and client service staff Benjamin Bartsch and Lukas Wallrabe accepted the award along with our client Fluence Energy, represented by Timothy Frantz.