Wutzldorf (Wald municipality), 08.06.2026
We come across them everywhere in our daily lives: in smartphones, electric cars, watches and hearing aids. It is impossible to imagine our daily lives without batteries. What we take for granted on a small scale takes on a whole new dimension in the energy system of the future. Large battery storage systems can absorb surplus electricity from renewable energy sources and make it available at a later time – for example, when solar power is in abundance at midday but demand only rises in the evening. What matters here is not just the technology itself, but its integration into the electricity system. Only when storage providers and grid operators work closely together and the system is specifically tailored to the needs of the grid does it realise its full potential as so-called grid-supporting flexibility.
This is precisely where the project in Wutzldorf, in the district of Cham, comes in. With a ceremonial ground-breaking ceremony, MaxSolar GmbH and Bayernwerk Netz GmbH are launching the construction of a battery storage facility that will be specifically used to stabilise the regional distribution grid. This marks a new approach to integrating renewable energies into existing grid infrastructures. In addition to the project partners, numerous representatives from politics and associations were present, including Barbara Haimerl, Mayor of the municipality of Wald, Christian Schindler, District Administrator of the Cham district, District Councillor Dr Martina Löffelmann, and Andrea Leitermann from Bündnis 90/Die Grünen.
The storage facility is being developed, constructed and operated by MaxSolar and will be connected to the Bayernwerk Netz GmbH grid. With a capacity of 5 megawatts and a storage capacity of 25 megawatt-hours, the facility can specifically absorb surplus electricity and feed it back into the grid as and when required. Unlike traditional storage facilities, its operation is not primarily market-driven but is geared towards the requirements of the distribution network. This makes it possible to reduce peak loads, alleviate grid bottlenecks and integrate additional renewable generation without immediately triggering extensive grid expansion measures.
“If we want to integrate high-capacity storage systems, we need to take into account how the components interact and how the system works. With this first grid-connected storage system, we can now gain valuable experience so that we can scale up the roll-out very quickly,” explained Dr Egon Leo Westphal, CEO of Bayernwerk AG.
Bayernwerk Netz will continue to drive this development forward and will soon be inviting tenders for the next grid-friendly storage facilities for its network area. MaxSolar also believes this approach is central to a sustainable energy system. “Grid-friendly storage brings flexibility exactly where it is needed. They increase the efficiency of existing grids, improve cost-effectiveness and strengthen security of supply,” said Christoph Strasser, Managing Director of MaxSolar GmbH, which already has further grid-friendly storage facilities in the pipeline. “The project in Wutzldorf is a milestone and demonstrates how renewable generation, storage and grid operation can be meaningfully integrated.”
The importance of the project is also being highlighted at local level. “If we want to make the energy transition a reality, it is important that we use electricity wisely. I think this project is a brilliant idea, and I can only support it,” said Mayor Barbara Haimerl, the mayor of the municipality of Wald, to which the district of Wutzldorf belongs.
The experience gained here is intended to be rolled out to other sites in the future. The project thus provides important insights into how flexibility in the distribution network should be managed in the future and demonstrates how innovative storage solutions can contribute to a secure, efficient and affordable electricity system.
About MaxSolar GmbH:
As a comprehensive infrastructure developer and operator, MaxSolar, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Traunstein, covers the entire value chain of the new energy industry. With renewable energies, flexible storage solutions and regional heating and mobility concepts, MaxSolar strengthens the resilience of supply and competitiveness of industrial and technology companies as well as local authorities.
MaxSolar also offers power purchase agreements (PPAs) for a long-term and predictable supply of green electricity. With a project pipeline of 6.1 gigawatts and six locations in Germany, MaxSolar is active both regionally and nationally.
www.maxsolar.com
About Bayernwerk Netz:
Bayernwerk Netz GmbH is the largest regional distribution network operator in Bavaria and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bayernwerk AG. The company operates an electricity network spanning around 156,000 kilometres and supplies energy to around seven million people. As a driving force behind the energy transition, Bayernwerk continuously invests in the expansion, digitalisation and smart control of the grids to ensure a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply.
www.bayernwerk.de
Press contact MaxSolar GmbH:
Anastasia Segovia Astorga
Head of Energy Policy, MaxSolar GmbH
Tel: +49 (0)151 18938015
E-Mail: anastasia.segovia(at)maxsolar.de
Press contact Bayernwerk:
Michael Bartels
Press Officer, Bayernwerk AG
Tel.: +49 (0)941 201 20 77
E-Mail: michael.bartels(at)bayernwerk.de
