The recent events in the German power grid have issued a clear warning: the energy transition is facing a critical stress test without sufficient storage infrastructure. On March 19 and 20, 2025, there were unprecedented fluctuations in the grid frequency and massive interventions by the grid operators to prevent a system collapse.
The grid frequency information service reported an „strained situation in the grid“ for the first time on March 19. Between 12 and 18 o’clock, the grid frequency fluctuated strongly, with peaks above 50.1 Hertz and dips below 49.9 Hertz. These values are dangerously close to the automatic emergency shutdown limits.
From power shortage to power surplus in record time In the morning, the grid was temporarily missing 1,900 megawatts of power – almost two nuclear power plants. A few hours later, there was a surplus of 1,595 megawatts. Such fluctuations pose a huge challenge for grid operators: to avoid a blackout, numerous large-scale plants had to be deliberately curtailed within hours.
In Bavaria alone, around 2,600 photovoltaic systems were taken off the grid on this day. The reason was a historic record for feed-in: over 43,700 megawatts of solar power were fed into the grid simultaneously. In just 15 minutes, the feed-in changed by more than 3,000 megawatts – comparable to the abrupt switch-on or switch-off of three large power plants. Over the course of an hour, the change was even 12,600 megawatts, equivalent to the output of eight to nine nuclear power plants.
Redispatch at record levels To keep the grid stable, transmission grid operators resort to so-called redispatch measures. This involves deliberately increasing or decreasing the output of power plants to avoid bottlenecks.
By March 19, 2025, there had already been 4,485 such interventions, compared to 3,861 in the previous year – an increase of over 16%. The regulated energy volume rose from 5.7 terawatt-hours to 6.2 terawatt-hours. For comparison: this amount of energy would have been enough to supply over two million households with electricity for a year.
Price shocks on the power exchange The grid fluctuations were immediately reflected in the power prices. On March 20, prices on the exchange ranged from 0.4 euros per megawatt-hour to 280 euros – a price jump of 700 times within a few hours. On March 19, there were even negative prices over several hours, followed by a sharp increase to 250 euros.
Such extreme price fluctuations are a direct symptom of a lack of flexibility in the energy system. Without storage, surpluses often have to be curtailed unused, while expensive reserve power plants are connected to the grid in the event of undersupply.
Structural problem: lack of transport and storage infrastructure Germany is increasingly producing electricity from renewable sources – but not always where and when it is needed. The transmission grids are often overloaded, and the transport of wind power from the north to the south or solar power from the south to the north is limited.
Consequence: power lines are often „dark red“ on the grid load maps, surpluses cannot be discharged, and there are forced shutdowns. It becomes particularly critical when high-voltage lines have to be switched off – then a blackout threatens within minutes.
Blackout risk: horror scenario or real danger? Officially, the risk of a large-scale blackout in Germany is often downplayed. But experts confirm that locally limited power outages are becoming increasingly likely – especially on weekends and holidays with low demand and high production peaks.
The scenario: if the sun shines all day at Easter, consumption drops to below 40 gigawatts, while production from photovoltaics and wind power is far above that. If grid operators cannot remotely control all critical systems in such a situation, often the only option is to shut down entire grid areas – with all the consequences for industry, infrastructure, and private households.
GEPVOLT SE: battery storage as a bulwark against grid instability „The energy transition can only succeed if we technically balance production peaks and consumption gaps. Battery storage is not only helpful – it is indispensable,“ explains Franz Schnorbach, CEO of GEPVOLT SE.
The company develops and operates large-scale battery storage systems that can react to grid fluctuations in a matter of seconds. They absorb surplus electricity when too much is produced and release it when needed – without the CO2 emissions of fossil reserve power plants.
Advantages of GEPVOLT battery storage:
Economic and social dimension Blackouts are not only a technical risk but also an economic threat. Studies estimate the macroeconomic damage of a widespread power outage at up to 6 billion euros per day. Even short outages can interrupt industrial processes, spoil food, cripple medical equipment, and endanger critical IT infrastructure.
Battery storage systems are thus strategic infrastructure – comparable to highways or telecommunications networks. They not only secure the supply but also increase the efficiency and economic viability of renewable energies.
Market potential for investors The European market for stationary battery storage is expected to grow sixfold by 2030, reaching a volume of over 120 gigawatts, according to BloombergNEF. In Germany alone, the demand is estimated at at least 50 gigawatts – an investment volume of over 30 billion euros.
GEPVOLT positions itself with a clear growth strategy:
„The recent events in the power grid underline the strategic importance of battery storage for climate protection and supply security – a market segment for which analysts predict significant growth in the coming years,“ explains Franz Schnorbach, CEO.
About GEPVOLT SE GEPVOLT SE is a leading developer and operator of large-scale battery storage systems in Germany. The company plans, builds, and operates innovative storage solutions that ensure grid stability, optimize the integration of renewable energies, and make a decisive contribution to the economic and ecological sustainability of the energy transition.
Press contact:GEPVOLT SEMax-Volmer-Straße 2340724 Hildenpresse@gepvolt.comwww.gepvolt.com
Source: Handelsblatt, Presseportal, General Anzeiger Bonn
