A battery container makes it possible to temporarily store generated electricity and only return it to the grid when prices are more favorable.

The rapid increase in solar and wind energy in the Netherlands not only provides green energy but also brings new challenges. Increasingly, negative electricity prices occur, especially on sunny or windy days when the supply of electricity exceeds demand. At such times, producers of renewable energy—such as solar parks and wind farms—have to pay to supply their electricity to the grid. This leads to direct financial losses and puts pressure on the viability of renewable energy projects.

To prevent such loss-making moments, more and more operators are opting to place battery containers at their installations. This smart storage solution allows electricity to be temporarily stored and returned only when market prices are favorable. This ensures that projects remain profitable and the electricity grid becomes more flexible. In this blog, we explain why battery containers are playing an increasingly important role in the energy transition, with current examples from practice.

Why negative electricity prices are happening more often

The energy market is changing rapidly. In the Netherlands, the growth of solar panels and wind turbines is causing more moments of electricity surplus. Especially during weekends, holidays, or off-peak hours on sunny and windy days, the demand for electricity may be lower than the supply. This leads to a market mechanism where the price per kilowatt-hour falls below zero.

For renewable energy producers, this is disastrous: they rely on sales revenue to recoup their investments. When they have to pay to offload their electricity, we speak of a 'negative price.' This trend is exacerbated by the lack of sufficient flexibility in the grid.

The economic impact for operators of solar and wind farms

For owners of solar parks and wind turbines, negative electricity prices are not just an annoying side issue, but a direct risk to their business operations. At the moment they have to pay to deliver, costs increase rapidly. Especially large parks with high production capacity can lose thousands of euros in just a few hours.

Without additional strategies, these losses are becoming increasingly difficult to absorb, especially as negative prices occur more frequently. That is why more operators are looking for smart ways to better align their energy generation with the market—where battery storage is the most applied solution.

The role of a battery container in negative prices

A battery container offers a solution in situations where sustainable generation does not align with the consumption pattern. By temporarily storing generated electricity in batteries, it does not have to be immediately delivered to the grid. Only when market prices are positive or attractive again can the energy still be returned.

Many operators now choose a battery container as an integral part of their project. These storage units are placed next to existing or new solar parks, so generated energy can be buffered directly. Wind farms are also increasingly using them because production peaks are very unpredictable.

Benefits of battery containers for energy projects

Battery containers offer several benefits for operators:

• Cost savings: Prevent negative delivery moments by temporarily storing electricity.

• Market optimization: Return energy during positive market prices and maximize your yield.

• Grid flexibility: Contribute to a stable electricity grid by smoothing out peaks.

• Quick implementation: Modern battery containers can be integrated as plug-and-play.

• Sustainable strategy: Support the energy transition with smart solutions.

Government incentives and subsidy opportunities

The government recognizes the importance of storage in renewable energy generation. Therefore, more subsidies are being made available for the purchase and installation of battery containers, particularly for solar parks. Also, within regional energy projects, collective storage is considered as an answer to grid congestion and negative prices.

Operators who invest in storage now are ahead of future regulations and also benefit from new earning models in the energy market. Think, for example, of offering grid stability services or storing cheap electricity for later use.

Conclusion

A battery container makes it possible to temporarily store this generated electricity and only return it when prices are more favorable. By applying this strategy, operators of solar and wind energy protect themselves against financial losses, increase their yields, and make a valuable contribution to the reliability of the Dutch electricity grid.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly is a battery container?
   A battery container is a containerized solution for energy storage, usually equipped with lithium-ion batteries. They are placed next to renewable energy sources to temporarily store excess electricity.

2. Why are electricity prices sometimes negative?
   Negative electricity prices occur when supply exceeds demand, for example on days with a lot of sun or wind and low consumption. Then you have to pay to deliver.

3. What does a battery container cost?
   The costs vary by capacity and technology but generally range between €100,000 and €500,000. Subsidies can significantly reduce this investment.

4. Are battery containers suitable for small projects?
   Yes, smaller solar initiatives can also benefit from battery storage, whether or not shared within a cooperative or business park.

5. Can you get a subsidy on a battery container?
   Yes, there are several schemes available through RVO and provincial bodies that support investment in energy storage.

6. How much energy can a battery container store?
   That varies. Smaller models start at 100 kWh, while larger containers can buffer several MWh of energy.