Regional Grid Support Using the Example of Snow Cannons in the Allgäu

How Battery Storage Systems Can Contribute to Grid Stability – A Practical Example from Southern Germany

The expansion of large-scale battery storage is a key factor in a successful energy transition. Yet while public discourse often focuses on the macroeconomic benefits, regional characteristics are frequently overlooked. It is precisely these local grid conditions that determine the true effectiveness and compatibility of battery storage systems. A clear example of this comes from the Allgäu region – specifically, the electricity demand peaks caused by snow cannons during the winter season.

“As an operator, we continually see how important it is to think not just on a national level, but regionally. That’s exactly what we do with our approach to grid-supportive operation.” – Christoph Ostermann, CEO of green flexibility

The Challenge: Snow Cannons as Key Drivers of Winter Electricity Demand

In winter sports regions like the Allgäu, snow cannons are an essential part of the tourism infrastructure. As soon as temperatures drop and guaranteed snow coverage is needed, hundreds of snow cannons run simultaneously. Their electricity consumption often equals that of an entire city district.

These seasonal, concentrated load peaks place significant stress on the regional power grid. Without appropriate countermeasures, this can lead to bottlenecks and overloads that not only cause technical issues but also drive up operating costs for grid operators.

Why Battery Storage Alone Isn’t Always the Solution – and How It Can Be

Battery storage systems are inherently flexible and can help mitigate grid congestion. However, not all storage systems automatically support the grid. A market-driven storage unit that simply follows national electricity prices may charge during low-price periods and discharge during high-price periods – without accounting for the real-time needs of the local grid.

“A battery that charges from the grid at the same time snow cannons are running only adds to the stress on the network – rather than relieving it.” – Christina Hepp, Director Strategy at green flexibility.

To truly support the local grid, batteries must be operated intelligently – in alignment with regional grid requirements.

Our Solution: Grid Support Through Flexible Operation

In practice, this means operating batteries in a way that ensures they do not add additional load during peak demand periods. This is achieved through contractually agreed operational strategies in coordination with the local grid operator.

In concrete terms, this includes:

• Time-limited restrictions

• Clearly defined notification periods

• Predictability for operators, supported by compensation mechanisms built into the business model

  
  

“It’s about give and take. We consciously accept temporary revenue losses to relieve the grid. But this only works if there are fair and transparent compensation models in place.” – Leandra Boes, Director Commercial Asset Management at green flexibility

The Added Value for Grid Operators

For grid operators, the benefits are clear: Instead of investing in expensive grid infrastructure upgrades, coordinated battery operations can preserve – or even expand – connection capacity. Additionally, costly interventions such as redispatch or load shedding can be avoided, all with minimal administrative effort.

Conclusion: Storage That Does More

This real-world example from the Allgäu demonstrates that battery systems can be deployed purposefully to support the grid. But success requires a shared language and a willingness to cooperate.

To that end, we have developed a practical concept for grid operators to optimize regional operation strategies – while minimizing complexity on their end. ⬇️

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Webinar – May 27 at 11:00 AM (CET)

We’ll introduce the new white paper “Grid-Compatible Expansion of Large-Scale Battery Storage” from the FfE (Forschungsstelle für Energiewirtschaft e. V.; in english: Research Center for Energy Economics).

Following this, green flexibility will showcase how we’re building a cooperative framework from the paper’s insights to support grid operators and optimize regional battery operation.

JOIN HERE - Registration for the webinar