With the newly created outdoor area privilege for battery storage systems in the Building Code will pave the way for more battery storage projects at solar parks. In a moment The privilege rule was on the agenda of the German Bundestag twice and twice there were resolutions that simplify the authorisation of solar battery power plants as a result become. This raises the question for project developers, operators, local authorities and financiers, how the new regulation works. What projects can be realised in the future in outdoor areas in connection with solar parks or wind turbines?

Due to the dynamic events, the German Association of the New Energy Economy published a Webinar on the current amendments to the German Building Code The recording and presentation slides are now available:

In a compact technical presentation Lawyer Clara Kallen (law firm von Bredow Valentin Herz) first of all the now Current legal situation regarding the privileged status of storage facilities for renewable energy systems in the German Building Code. This is followed by a Energy industry categorisation by Bernhard Strohmayer (bne)which addresses the practical implications for project development and municipalities. The focus of the webinar was on Battery storage in or at solar parks (co-location).

It should be emphasised that in the course of the legislative amendment process, a Clarification with regard to the mode of operation of battery storage systems was taken. This is stated on page 35 of Bundestag printed paper 21/3101 dated 3 December 2020:

"(...) It is assumed that battery storage systems that supplement existing renewable energy generation plants are fundamentally beneficial to the system and grid. (...)"

The Bundestag printed paper can be found at this link read more.

You can find out more about the topic of battery storage in our PV knowledge area.