Alpiq Advances Flexibility Strategy as 300 MW Swiss Battery Project Clears Grid Hurdle

Lausanne – Swiss energy group Alpiq is moving forward with its flexibility strategy after securing grid connection for a planned 300 MW battery storage facility in Niedergösgen, in the canton of Solothurn. The project is among the largest battery storage schemes planned in Switzerland.

The battery storage system is planned adjacent to the Gösgen run-of-river hydropower plant and is designed to have a storage capacity of more than 1.2 GWh. The project's further development is based on a newly signed agreement in principle with Swiss transmission system operator Swissgrid, which secures a 300 MW connection to the national extra-high-voltage grid.

Flexibility as a Building Block of the Energy Transition

As renewable energy deployment increases and power generation becomes more volatile, flexibility is becoming an increasingly important element of the energy system. Alpiq is pursuing a flexibility strategy centered on expanding technologies such as battery storage, pumped-storage hydropower and other flexible generation assets. The aim is to balance fluctuations in the power system, better integrate renewable energy and support supply security.

The planned battery storage facility in Niedergösgen forms part of this strategy. According to the company, Alpiq now holds a battery portfolio of more than 1 GW across several core European markets, of which 130 MW is already in operation and a further 230 MW is under construction. Over the long term, the company aims to expand its storage capacity to several gigawatts.

The planned large-scale battery is designed to supply power to around 500,000 households for more than four hours and to help stabilize the Swiss transmission grid. Its proximity to the Gösgen hydropower plant, the Gösgen nuclear power plant and a key grid node is considered a key locational advantage.

“The Niedergösgen site combines the key requirements for a large-scale battery project of this size: proximity to existing energy infrastructure and connection to an important grid node,” said Amédée Murisier, Head of Assets and member of the Executive Board at Alpiq. “This BESS project marks another milestone for Alpiq in the consistent implementation of our ambitious growth strategy. We are investing specifically in flexibility and making a concrete contribution to supply security and to the integration of renewable energy into the energy system.”

Construction Start Planned for 2027

Following initial talks with authorities, Alpiq plans to submit its construction application. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the battery storage system expected to enter operation in 2029.

With the project, Alpiq continues to expand its European storage portfolio. The company is adding further flexible storage technologies to its existing hydropower and pumped-storage assets as it seeks to strengthen its position in the area of system flexibility.

Source: IWR Online, 01 Jul 2026