GIGA Storage is a developer, manager and investor of energy storage in large-scale sustainable projects in Europe with the aim of replacing gas and coal-fired power stations and ensuring grid stability.
At the location of the former aluminum smelter Aldel, we are currently working hard on our GIGA LEOPARD battery. With a capacity of 300 MW and 1.200 MWh, this will be an important battery park that contributes to the energy transition of the Netherlands. At this historic location, where aluminum was produced until 2022, energy storage will soon be realized on an industrial scale for the first time.
Source: Ronny Benjamins
In 2019, aluminum smelter Aldel presented its ambitious green multi-year strategy to produce future-proof, sustainable aluminum. This industrial beacon had a direct (large) connection to the high-voltage grid of grid operator TenneT.
In its green strategy, Aldel was already working on making its production process more flexible, which could keep the energy grid in balance. The smelter worked as a virtual battery, where production can be scaled up and down on behalf of the grid operator. With this virtual battery function, the aluminum smelter made a substantial contribution to keeping the national electricity grid in balance. Unfortunately, Aldel went bankrupt at the end of 2022 after more than fifty years.
In April 2023, GIGA Storage took over the closed distribution network to realize large-scale energy storage at this historic location. GIGA Leopard will contribute to balancing the difference between supply and demand on the Dutch electricity grid.
The virtual battery will be continued with a physical battery park of 300 MW and 1.200 MWh.
GIGA Storage is proud that this historic location with a great Groningen history will now be used for a future economy: increasing the amount of sustainable energy on our network.
A large amount of sustainable energy is generated in the Delfzijl region; with the large battery park, the share of sustainable energy can further increase; at times when there is a shortage of energy, it can be put back on the electricity grid.
“Of course it is a shame that aluminum production had to stop in Delfzijl after so many years, of course we feel that it has a major impact on the local Groningen population. But at GIGA Storage we are proud that we now have the opportunity to replace a large industrial energy consumer with a sustainable solution that will greatly help the energy transition. ”
Ruud Nijs, CEO GIGA Storage
Source: Ronny Benjamins
GIGA Storage is preparing for the realization and is working closely with the local authorities and involved bodies. It is important that all stakeholders are and remain informed of developments; this happens in an honest, open dialogue.
