RWE activates 35 MW battery energy storage system in Eemshaven to support Dutch Grid

RWE has officially brought one of the largest battery energy storage systems in the Netherlands online at its Eemshaven power station, marking a major advancement in the country’s renewable energy infrastructure. The newly commissioned system, with an installed capacity of 35 megawatts (MW) and a total storage capacity of 41 megawatt hours (MWh), is designed to balance the Dutch power grid by storing and releasing electricity as needed. By stabilising fluctuating energy production from offshore wind power and other renewable sources, the Eemshaven battery project plays a key role in ensuring efficient power distribution.

The launch of the Eemshaven battery project is part of RWE’s broader efforts to expand battery energy storage solutions, not just in the Netherlands but across multiple global markets. As the demand for flexible, sustainable energy solutions rises, large-scale battery systems like this one are becoming increasingly vital for managing supply and demand fluctuations.

Why Is Battery Storage Critical for Renewable Energy?

The Eemshaven battery project addresses a key challenge in renewable energy production—variability. Since wind and solar power generation depend on weather conditions, there are periods of excess energy when supply surpasses demand, and moments when energy generation drops. By storing surplus electricity and redistributing it during peak demand periods, battery storage enhances grid reliability and efficiency.

This project aligns with OranjeWind, an offshore wind initiative developed by RWE and TotalEnergies, which focuses on integrating offshore wind energy with storage systems, electrolysers, and smart energy solutions. The integration of battery energy storage systems into the national grid allows for a smoother transition to low-carbon electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining grid stability.

What Makes the Eemshaven Battery Project Unique?

The Eemshaven battery project consists of 110 lithium-ion battery racks, installed at RWE’s Eemshaven power plant, with approximately 26 kilometres of cabling connecting the system to the grid. The batteries provide controllable power, making it possible to balance fluctuations in renewable energy generation and enhance energy security in the Netherlands.

One of the key advantages of the system is its cross-technology integration, allowing it to connect with various RWE power plants across the country. This flexibility ensures optimal energy management, helping stabilise supply while minimising losses. The system has been operational since early 2025 and is expected to significantly contribute to the energy transition in the Netherlands.

At an inauguration event held in Eemshaven, RWE officials, along with representatives from the Province of Groningen, formally activated the battery system. RWE highlighted that this deployment not only supports the Dutch energy transition but also strengthens the company’s position as a global leader in battery energy storage solutions.

How Does the Moerdijk Battery Project Compare?

Alongside the Eemshaven battery project, RWE is also advancing its Moerdijk battery energy storage system, which features ultra-fast synthetic inertia technology. Unlike conventional battery storage, this technology is specifically designed to enhance grid stability by rapidly responding to fluctuations in supply and demand.

The Moerdijk battery energy storage system has an installed capacity of 7.5 MW and a total storage capacity of 11 MWh. This project is one of the first of its kind in mainland Europe, reinforcing RWE’s commitment to energy storage innovation. Both the Moerdijk battery project and Eemshaven battery project are integral to the OranjeWind system integration strategy, which seeks to develop advanced solutions for incorporating renewable energy into the Dutch grid.

How Is RWE Expanding Its Global Battery Storage Portfolio?

RWE has been actively scaling its battery energy storage operations beyond the Netherlands, with a current portfolio of approximately 1.2 gigawatts (GW) across Europe, the United States, and Australia. In addition to the Eemshaven battery project, the company is expanding storage capacity significantly, with more than 2 GW of energy storage systems under construction in key markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

The company views battery energy storage as an essential component of the global energy transition, ensuring that renewable energy is available whenever needed. By investing in large-scale storage solutions, RWE aims to strengthen energy security while accelerating the shift towards carbon-neutral electricity.

What Is the Market Outlook for Battery Energy Storage?

The battery energy storage market has been experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing adoption of renewable energy and the need for grid stability solutions. Industry analysts project that investments in energy storage technologies will continue rising as governments push for carbon neutrality targets and phase out fossil fuels.

For RWE, the launch of the Eemshaven battery project reinforces its competitive position in the clean energy sector. Investor sentiment around battery energy storage has been positive, with RWE’s stock performance reflecting growing confidence in its ability to scale sustainable energy solutions.

As the Netherlands intensifies its efforts to integrate offshore wind power into the grid, large-scale projects like the Eemshaven battery project are expected to play an even greater role in shaping the country’s energy future. By ensuring that renewable energy remains reliable, efficient, and available on demand, battery energy storage is set to become a cornerstone of the green energy transition.