Near Apeldoorn, in the East of the Netherlands, a new 15MW/30MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) has entered full commercial operation, strengthening the flexibility and stability of the Dutch electricity grid. Developed by Green Energy Storage (GES) on behalf of Encavis, the system combines large-scale battery storage with an adjacent solar park to optimise renewable energy utilisation and support the growing need for grid flexibility. Alfen delivered the battery energy storage system as a turnkey solution, including electrical integration and battery technology. 

Collaborating to Accelerate the Energy Transition 

As renewable energy generation continues to expand, battery storage is becoming an essential component of the energy system. The Apeldoorn project demonstrates how collaboration across the value chain can unlock flexibility, improve grid stability, and maximise the value of renewable energy assets. 

Mario Schirru, CEO of Encavis, explains: “The successful commissioning of the Apeldoorn battery demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration with our partners across development, technology, construction and market access. Projects like this are essential for strengthening grid stability and enabling renewable energy to be used where and when it is needed most.” 

For Alfen, the project represents another milestone in the deployment of utility-scale battery storage in the Netherlands. 

Stephanie Schockaert, Sales Director Energy Storage at Alfen, adds: “We are proud to once again take an important step together with Green Energy Storage to further strengthen the stability and flexibility of the regional energy grid, this time for Encavis.”

BESS Apeldoorn The Challenge 

The rapid growth of renewable energy generation creates increasing challenges for electricity grids. Solar and wind power generation fluctuate throughout the day, while electricity demand does not always align with periods of peak renewable production. As a result, valuable renewable energy can be curtailed, while grid operators face growing pressure to maintain system balance and reliability. 

To maximise the value of the adjacent solar park and contribute to a more resilient energy system, Encavis required a large-scale battery storage solution capable of storing excess renewable energy and deploying it when needed. At the same time, the system needed to participate in multiple Dutch energy markets and provide a range of grid support services that help maintain network stability. 

Delivering these capabilities required a highly integrated solution combining advanced battery technology, market participation functionality, and seamless electrical integration. 

The Solution 

Alfen delivered the BESS Apeldoorn project as a turnkey battery energy storage solution, providing both the battery system and its electrical integration. 

The installation consists of a 15MW/30MWh battery energy storage system, based on CATL EnerOne+ battery technology integrated within Alfen's battery storage platform. The system is directly connected to the adjacent solar park, allowing renewable electricity to be stored efficiently and dispatched when demand, market conditions, or grid requirements make it most valuable. 

With two hours of storage capacity, the system is designed to provide a broad range of flexibility services. Through participation in multiple energy markets, the battery actively supports the Dutch electricity system by delivering: 

• Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR)
• Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve (aFRR)
• Manual Frequency Restoration Reserve (mFRR)
• Imbalance market services
• Congestion management services

Greenchoice acts as the offtaker of the system's flexibility, enabling the battery to optimise its participation across these markets and maximise its contribution to grid stability. 

Future Opportunities 

As the Netherlands continues to accelerate renewable energy deployment, large-scale battery storage will play an increasingly important role in maintaining grid reliability and enabling efficient use of renewable generation. Projects such as BESS Apeldoorn demonstrate how energy storage can bridge the gap between variable renewable production and electricity demand while supporting critical balancing markets.