Industry Update | Germany’s Energy Storage Boom - 161 GW in Connection Requests Filed with TSOs

Germany is seeing a massive “gold rush” in energy storage, with a record-breaking 161 GW worth of connection requests for battery energy storage systems (BESS) flooding the country’s TSOs. This demand, which far surpasses even the long-term forecasts for 2045, brings big questions and opportunities for policymakers, investors, and grid operators.

Here’s the Breakdown:

• 50Hertz Transmission GmbH – 80 GW (200 projects)
• Amprion GmbH – 36 GW (120 projects)
• TenneT TSO GmbH – 35 GW (100 projects)
• TransnetBW GmbH – 10 GW

Not all of these projects will become reality, but even if only a fraction goes ahead, it’s clear that demand for energy storage in Germany is skyrocketing. This is about more than just energy storage—it’s a whole new phase in Germany’s energy transition.

What Does This Mean?

For Policymakers

The government’s current plan forecasts 0 GW of BESS by 2045, which is clearly out of sync with market demand. This is an opportunity for subsidy-free investment in energy storage, which could reduce reliance on gas plants if managed well. We need to simplify the process for investors, increase transparency on grid connection.

For Investors

Germany’s energy storage market is on fire, and the fundamentals look strong. For those not developing already, getting into the game may mean buying into existing project pipelines—but be cautious. Look for projects that address fire safety, noise, and compliance. Model your business cases right to avoid costly delays and compliance issues.

For Grid Operators

With so much BESS interest, grid operators can benefit from energy storage for managing congestion and grid stability. To streamline requests, we need transparency on available capacity and should consider cable pooling to optimize grid usage. Operators can play a critical role in shaping this booming market.

Germany is embracing energy storage at an unprecedented rate. This market isn’t just growing—it’s transforming. Now is the time to work together and turn this momentum into a sustainable energy future.

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