Nürnberg, 15.10.2026
The official start of construction of a large-scale battery storage facility in the Winterschneidbach district of Ansbach (Middle Franconia) marks the beginning of one of Germany’s pioneering storage projects. Together with Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, N-ERGIE Netz GmbH and MaxSolar GmbH announced on Thursday, 15 October 2026, the start of construction of what is currently Germany’s largest grid-connected battery storage facility under Section 11a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).
The battery storage facility is being built in the immediate vicinity of the Winterschneidbach substation within the network area of N-ERGIE Netz GmbH. With a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW) and a storage capacity of 100 megawatt-hours (MWh), the facility will in future help to improve the integration of renewable electricity on an ad hoc basis. For example, surplus solar energy can be temporarily stored and fed into the grid at times when capacity is available.
Unlike purely market-driven battery storage systems, the plant’s operation is specifically geared towards the requirements of the electricity distribution network. The project thus sets a new benchmark for the integration of storage systems into the energy infrastructure.
A pilot project with a significant impact
The storage contract was awarded following a tender process organised by N-ERGIE Netz GmbH. MaxSolar emerged victorious against more than 20 competitors. The project has been agreed with the Federal Network Agency and is regarded as one of the first schemes of its kind in the German distribution network. Aiwanger: “Storage systems can support the integration of further renewable energy installations”
Bavaria’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger, was present at the official start of construction: “Energy storage facilities are an essential component of a secure, affordable and climate-neutral energy supply. The planned storage facility in Winterschneidbach is a prime example of how storage facilities can support the integration of further renewable energy plants and complement the necessary grid expansion.”
‘With the start of construction today, we are sending a clear signal regarding the next phase of storage expansion in Germany. Storage facilities can play an active role in relieving pressure on the grids. The project in Ansbach demonstrates how this can be achieved both technically and economically,’ explains Christoph Strasser, CEO of MaxSolar.
Kerstin Fröhlich, Managing Director of N-ERGIE Netz GmbH, emphasises: “Grid-friendly storage systems can play a key role in utilising existing grid capacity more efficiently and in targeting the need for expansion. With the project in Winterschneidbach, we are bringing greater flexibility to the existing system – and thereby resolutely driving forward the transformation of the electricity grids.”
About MaxSolar GmbH:
As an integrated infrastructure developer and operator, we cover the entire value chain of the new energy economy. Through renewable energy projects, flexible energy storage solutions, and regional heating and mobility concepts, we enhance supply resilience and strengthen the competitiveness of industrial companies, technology businesses, and municipalities.
MaxSolar offers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that enable a reliable, long-term, and predictable supply of green electricity. With a project pipeline of 6.1 gigawatts and six locations across Germany, MaxSolar is active at both the regional and national levels.
www.maxsolar.com
About N-ERGIE Netz GmbH:
N-ERGIE Netz GmbH is one of the major distribution system operators in Germany; its network area covers an area of around 8,000 square kilometres and, in addition to the city of Nuremberg, includes large parts of Middle Franconia and neighbouring areas. The electricity network of N-ERGIE Netz GmbH has a total length of approximately 29,000 kilometres.
Currently, over 170,000 renewable electricity generation plants are already connected to N-ERGIE Netz GmbH’s electricity distribution network. In order to accommodate and transmit the ever-increasing volumes of renewable electricity, N-ERGIE Netz GmbH will be substantially expanding its electricity network in the coming years.
Press contact MaxSolar GmbH:
Anastasia Segovia Astorga
Energy policy, MaxSolar GmbH
Telefon: 0151 18938015
anastasia.segovia(at)maxsolar.de
Press contact N-ERGIE:
Michael Enderlein
Press officer N-ERGIE
Telefon: 0911 802-58071
michael.enderlein(at)n-ergie.de
