Switzerland Zurich Energy Storage Container Power Station Project

Could a new pumped-storage station help stabilize electricity output in Switzerland?

A new pumped-storage station in one of the highest and remotest parts of Switzerland will help cope with fluctuations in wind and solar-power supply. It can stabilise electricity output for the whole of Europe. A journalist from Ticino resident in Bern, I write on scientific and social issues with reports, articles, interviews and analysis.

What is a battery storage power plant?

Battery storage power plants and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are comparable in technology and function. However, battery storage power plants are larger. For safety and security, the actual batteries are housed in their own structures, like warehouses or containers.

Can Switzerland help balance irregularities in electricity production in Europe?

“Thanks to its power plants, Switzerland can help balance irregularities in electricity production in Europe. However, we should not overestimate their role, which above all depends directly on the capacities of existing lines,” the association adds.

Do you need an inverter for a battery storage power plant?

As with a UPS, one concern is that electrochemical energy is stored or emitted in the form of direct current (DC), while electric power networks are usually operated with alternating current (AC). For this reason, additional inverters are needed to connect the battery storage power plants to the high voltage network.