German government to revise the grid connection procedure for large battery energy storage systems – ess-news.com

Policy Reform to Accelerate Grid Integration of Large-Scale Battery Storage in Support of Sustainable Development Goals

Current Challenges to SDG 7 and SDG 13 Implementation

A significant administrative bottleneck is impeding the deployment of large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) exceeding 100 MW, creating a critical barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The current regulatory framework, governed by the Power Plant Grid Connection Ordinance (KraftNAV), mandates a strict “first-come, first-served” process for grid connection applications. This has led to substantial delays as grid operators are overwhelmed by a surge in requests from investors seeking to connect projects vital for stabilizing the grid and integrating variable renewable energy sources.

• The administrative deadlock delays the deployment of essential infrastructure required for a resilient, low-carbon energy system.
• This situation hinders progress on national and international climate targets by slowing the transition away from fossil fuels.
• The inefficiency of the current process creates investment uncertainty, potentially slowing the flow of capital into the clean energy sector.

Proposed Legislative Action to Enhance Sustainable Infrastructure (SDG 9)

In response to this challenge, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has announced a plan to expedite the grid connection process for large BESS. This initiative directly supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by reforming regulatory frameworks to foster the development of modern, sustainable energy infrastructure. Federal Minister Katherina Reiche has committed to amending the KraftNAV legislation within the current year through a fast-track procedure.

The proposed amendment process will bypass the Bundestag, requiring a more streamlined path to implementation:

1. Interministerial consultation to ensure alignment across government departments.
2. Adoption of the amendment by the federal cabinet.
3. Final approval by the Bundesrat, where several states have already indicated their support.

Key Measures and Strategic Implications for Energy Transition

Core Components of the Proposed KraftNAV Revision

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has outlined several measures under consideration to reform the grid-connection process. These proposals, expected for public consultation in the first quarter of 2026, are designed to align infrastructure development with the goals of SDG 7 and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by ensuring a stable and reliable supply of clean energy.

• Exclusion from KraftNAV: A primary proposal involves removing large-scale energy storage systems from the scope of the current ordinance, potentially with a single sentence amendment.
• Procedural Adjustments: Revisions to the “first-come, first-served” principle are being considered to prioritize projects that offer the greatest benefit to grid stability and renewable energy integration.
• Stricter Application Requirements: Tightening the criteria for grid connection applications to ensure project maturity and viability.
• Enhanced Transparency: Improving the availability of information regarding grid capacity to help investors make more strategic decisions.

Contextual Policy Developments and Potential Conflicts

This proposed reform follows a recent amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) that granted preferential treatment to battery storage systems larger than 1 MWh. While this act was a positive step toward achieving SDG 7, its long-term viability is now in question. Grid operators and some state governments reportedly view this preferential status as counterproductive, given the high volume of applications, creating tension between rapid deployment and systemic grid management. This highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing accelerated infrastructure development with the operational stability required for sustainable energy systems.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article directly addresses the challenges and solutions related to integrating large-scale battery energy storage systems into the power grid. These systems are critical for stabilizing the grid and enabling a higher share of intermittent renewable energy sources, which is fundamental to achieving clean energy goals.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The core issue discussed is the need to update and innovate national energy infrastructure and its governing regulations (the KraftNAV). The administrative bottleneck in connecting battery storage highlights the need for more resilient, sustainable, and efficient infrastructure to support new technologies and foster industrial development in the clean energy sector.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  By facilitating the grid connection of large battery storage, policymakers are taking concrete action to support the energy transition away from fossil fuels. This is a crucial climate change mitigation strategy, as energy storage enables greater reliance on renewable energy, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed amendment to the KraftNAV is a direct national policy measure aimed at climate action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   The article’s focus on removing connection barriers for large battery storage systems directly supports this target. These storage systems are essential for managing the variability of renewable sources like solar and wind, thus allowing for their increased integration into the national energy mix.

2. Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with… greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.

   The push to amend the KraftNAV is an effort to upgrade the regulatory infrastructure to facilitate the adoption of a “clean and environmentally sound technology”—large-scale battery storage. This reform is necessary to make the national energy grid more sustainable and capable of handling modern energy solutions.

3. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   The announcement by the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy to amend the grid-connection rules via a “fast-track revision of the KraftNAV” is a clear example of integrating climate change measures into national policy. This legislative action is a strategic plan to accelerate the deployment of infrastructure necessary for a low-carbon energy system.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicator for Target 7.2: The number and capacity of large battery storage systems connected to the grid.

  The article mentions a “surge of applications” for systems “above 100 MW.” An increase in the number and total megawatt (MW) capacity of successfully connected systems would be a direct measure of progress in building the infrastructure needed for a higher share of renewables.

• Implied Indicator for Target 9.4: Reduction in the processing time for grid connection applications.

  The article highlights the current “administrative deadlock” and the “first-come, first-served” procedure as major problems. A key indicator of successful infrastructure and regulatory upgrades would be a significant reduction in the time it takes for a battery storage project to get approval and connect to the grid.

• Implied Indicator for Target 13.2: The successful amendment of the Power Plant Grid Connection Ordinance (KraftNAV).

  The article states that “one sentence would be enough to remove energy storage from the current legislation.” The formal adoption of this amendment by the federal cabinet and its approval by the Bundesrat would serve as a concrete process indicator that the government is implementing its policy commitments on climate action.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ess-news.com