Volkswagen Launches 20 MW Battery Storage System in Salzgitter

Volkswagen has connected its first stationary battery storage system to the electrical grid at Salzgitter, Germany. The installation, called "Elli PowerCenter", features a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW) with 40 megawatthours (MWh) of storage. The site's construction took several months before this grid connection. The project is operated by Elli, the charging services subsidiary of the German automotive group. Its commissioning marks Volkswagen's official entry into the large-scale stationary energy storage market.

Expansion Planned Without Clear Timeline

Elli indicates that the group plans to extend this system, without specifying the targeted capacities or associated timelines. The installation is part of a group-wide approach combining battery cell production, energy storage system expertise, large-scale stationary deployment and digital energy platforms. Volkswagen presents the Elli PowerCenter as a link in a vertical integration strategy of the energy supply chain.

The group states that this project represents a further step in its transformation into an integrated energy player. Volkswagen intends to bring together under the same corporate scope activities ranging from cell manufacturing to energy trading. The company combines this approach with its battery systems expertise as well as digital platforms dedicated to energy services.

Elli, the Group's Energy Operator

Elli, an electric vehicle (EV) charging provider within the group, is leading this first deployment in stationary storage. The group indicates it intends to cover the entire value chain, from cell production to energy trading. The modalities for expanding the site remain undetermined, with no figures or timeline having been communicated at this stage.