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

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

To prevent such loss moments, more and more operators choose to install battery containers at their facilities. This smart storage solution allows electricity to be temporarily stored and only supplied back 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 play an increasingly important role in the energy transition, with current examples from practice.

Why negative electricity prices occur more often

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

For renewable energy producers, this is disastrous: they depend on sales revenues to recoup their investments. When they have to pay to deliver their electricity, we speak of a 'negative price'. This trend is exacerbated by a lack of sufficient flexibility on 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 a nuisance but a direct risk to their operations. When 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 become increasingly difficult to absorb, especially as negative prices occur more frequently. That's why more operators are looking for smart ways to better align their energy production with the market – with battery storage being the most widely applied solution.

The role of a battery container during negative prices

A battery container provides a solution in situations where renewable generation does not match the consumption pattern. By temporarily storing generated electricity in batteries, it does not have to be delivered to the grid immediately. Only when market prices are positive or attractive again can the energy be supplied back.

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 that generated energy can be directly buffered. Wind farms also increasingly use this as their peaks in production are very unpredictable.

Advantages of battery containers for energy projects

Battery containers offer several advantages for operators:

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

• Market optimization: Supply back at positive market prices and maximize your revenue.

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

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

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

Government incentives and subsidy possibilities

The government recognizes the importance of storage in renewable energy generation. Therefore, more and more subsidies are available for the purchase and installation of battery containers, particularly at solar parks. Regional energy projects also look at collective storage 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 business 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 supply it back when the prices are more favorable. By applying this strategy, operators of solar and wind energy protect themselves against financial losses, increase their revenue, 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 instance on days with lots of sun or wind and low consumption. Then you have to pay to deliver.

3. How much does a battery container cost?
   Costs vary by capacity and technology but average between €100,000 and €500,000. Subsidies can significantly reduce this investment.

4. Are battery containers suitable for small projects?
   Yes, even smaller solar initiatives can benefit from battery storage, whether shared within a cooperative or business park.

5. Do you get a subsidy for a battery container?
   Yes, there are multiple schemes available through the RVO and provincial agencies 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.