A battery storage is an electrochemical system that absorbs electrical energy, stores and provides it again when needed. It consists of battery cells and the necessary power electronics that efficiently control the charging and discharging process.

If a battery storage is used on an industrial scale, for example for network support, frequency regulation, as an intermediate storage for wind or solar systems, or to secure critical infrastructure, one speaks of a large-scale battery storage. In practice, this term usually starts from a power or capacity of around 1 megawatt or 1 megawatt hour.

These systems consist of many individual battery modules that are connected in series and parallel and can thus store large amounts of energy. Lithium-ion systems are predominantly used as cell chemistry, mainly lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) - a technology that stands for high operational reliability, long service life and solid energy density.

Large-scale battery storage provides performances in the multi-digit megawatt range and can typically provide energy over periods of 0.5 to 2 hours (or longer). The system efficiency is between 85 and 90 percent - depending on design and operating concept. Thanks to their modular design, these storage systems are flexibly scalable and can be realized from individual megawatt hours to large-scale plants in the GWh range.

Due to their high performance and reaction speed, large-scale battery storage is a central tool for the energy transition. They enable network-friendly applications, relieve the network infrastructure, and increase the security of supply, both locally and in the supra-regional network.

What permits are required for a stationary battery storage system depends largely on the planned location, technical design, storage size and intended grid connection point.

In most cases, a construction permit is required, as battery storage systems represent structural installations within the meaning of the respective state building codes. Depending on the federal state and project design, different requirements apply, which must be coordinated individually with the responsible authority.

In addition, further legal requirements may apply, such as those from urban planning law, fire protection law, nature and landscape conservation law or from technical specifications of the network operators. Whether a storage facility may be erected at a specific location in the outdoor area depends, among other things, on whether the project is classified as privileged. This evaluation is carried out by the locally responsible building authorities and can vary regionally.

For more extensive projects, such as those involving additional power lines or the construction of a substation, a planning approval procedure may be required. Under certain circumstances, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) must also be carried out, for example in the event of interventions in protected areas or sensitive framework conditions.

GEPVOLT accompanies its projects from the outset with clearly structured approval processes and coordinates with the relevant authorities at an early stage - to ensure feasibility and shape the project process in a legally secure manner.

The permits required for a stationary battery storage system depend primarily on the planned location, the technical design, the storage size, and the intended grid connection point.

In most cases, a building permit is required, as battery storage systems constitute structures under the respective state building codes. Depending on the state and the project's specific design, different regulations apply, which must be individually coordinated with the responsible authority.

Furthermore, other legal requirements may apply, such as those arising from building planning law , fire protection , nature and landscape conservation , or technical specifications from network operators . Whether a storage facility may be built at a specific location in a rural area depends, among other things, on whether the project is classified as privileged . This assessment is carried out by the locally responsible building authorities and can vary regionally.

For more extensive projects, such as additional power lines or the construction of a substation, a planning approval procedure may be required. Under certain circumstances, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) must also be carried out, for example, in cases of interventions in protected areas or sensitive environments.

GEPVOLT accompanies its projects from the outset with clearly structured approval processes and coordinates with the relevant authorities at an early stage – to ensure feasibility and to make the project progress legally compliant.

At GEPVOLT, the safety of our energy storage solutions is our top priority. Even in the planning phase, we ensure that all systems meet the highest requirements in terms of fire protection, operational continuity, and technical monitoring, even under challenging site conditions.

The choice of cell chemistry plays a central role. GEPVOLT prefers to use lithium iron phosphate cells ( LiFePO₄ ) because their thermal stability and low reactivity make them particularly safe. This physical safety layer is complemented by modern control and protection mechanisms.

A key difference: We don't offer standardized solutions, but develop a customized security concept for each project. This takes into account local conditions, network integration, and regulatory requirements, and is implemented in close coordination with specialist planners, permitting authorities, and fire departments. This includes, among other things, software-supported analysis functions, coordinated fire protection measures, and system architectures tailored to the project.

The result is storage systems that are not only reliable in operation, but also suitable for sensitive locations, such as industrial areas, outdoor areas or near critical infrastructure.

Battery containers serve as closed system units for housing high-performance battery storage systems . The basic structure is often based on standardized transport container sizes such as 20 or 40 feet; alternatively, GEPVOLT uses project-specific, customized formats.

Inside the container, the battery modules are housed in multi-story support systems. The structure is complemented by control and power electronics, climate control units, and systems for continuous monitoring and automated fire detection. Depending on the configuration, inverters, grid connection technology, or transformers can also be integrated directly into the container module.

At GEPVOLT , each storage container is precisely tailored to the local and technical conditions, from capacity design and security requirements to network integration. Software components for operational monitoring and fault detection are also specifically adapted to each project.

Thanks to this tailored approach, GEPVOLT delivers not only modular battery storage solutions, but fully integrated systems that can be directly integrated into existing energy infrastructures, including all relevant interfaces and protection mechanisms.

The service life of a battery storage system is largely determined by the cell chemistry used, the operating mode, and the environmental conditions. GEPVOLT relies on lithium iron phosphate ( LiFePO₄ ) technology , which is characterized by high cycle stability. In practice, such cells achieve approximately 10,000 charge and discharge cycles, which corresponds to a service life of at least 15 years with daily use.

However, the cell component is only one part of the overall system. The storage systems designed by GEPVOLT are modular, fully monitorable, and designed for long-term maintainability . Components such as battery modules, cooling and ventilation units, and power electronic components can be selectively replaced as needed. This significantly extends the service life of the entire system, in many cases to 25 to 30 years and beyond.

Our approach at GEPVOLT is designed to operate battery storage solutions not only with technical stability but also with economic sustainability. Through continuous condition monitoring, data-driven maintenance, and a structured spare parts concept, our systems remain operational long-term, even across multiple cell generations .

Part of our life cycle strategy also includes returning the modules to controlled recycling or using them as second-life systems in order to conserve resources and further reduce the ecological footprint.

GEPVOLT typically estimates a minimum area of around 1,700 square meters for the construction of a stationary large-scale storage system . This space requirement includes not only the battery containersthemselves, but also the necessary clearances, technical infrastructure such as inverters and transformers, as well as sufficient space for maintenance, safety equipment, and fire protection measures.

For larger projects, such as those with a storage capacity of 100 megawatt-hours or more, the required land area can be significantly larger. Depending on the layout, connection point, and site conditions, areas between 0.5 and 3 hectares are realistic in such cases.

Compared to other energy systems, the space requirement of a battery storage system is generally compact.

Plots of land from approximately 1,700 m² in close proximity to substations , grid nodes, or high-voltage power lines are particularly suitable. GEPVOLT individually assesses each site within the context of the project and develops tailored system concepts.