Battery storage developer Zenobē has expanded into Germany through the acquisition of Bavaria-based SDP Energie, marking its first major move into the country’s battery energy storage sector.
The acquisition gives Zenobē access to a development pipeline of 1.75GW of transmission-connected battery energy storage systems (BESS) across six sites in Germany, with projects currently progressing through different stages of development.
The deal combines SDP Energie’s knowledge of the German market, grid infrastructure and regulatory framework with Zenobē’s experience as the UK’s largest transmission-connected battery storage developer and operator. The company currently has 3.3GWh of battery storage either in operation or under construction across its portfolio.
Zenobē said the acquisition will enable it to bring its expertise in delivering and operating advanced battery storage projects to one of Europe’s fastest-growing energy storage markets. The company was the first to deploy grid-scale battery storage commercially to provide transmission operators with inertia and short circuit level services, alongside reactive power and black start capabilities. As similar markets begin to develop in Germany, the firm plans to work with transmission system operators to support grid reliability and the integration of renewable energy.
Jonathan Wagner, Co-Founder of SDP Energie, said: “Germany is poised to become one of Europe’s most important battery storage markets. Bringing together sdp energie’s development platform with Zenobē’s global expertise in financing, delivering and operating battery storage creates a unique opportunity to help shape this market. Together, we want to accelerate the deployment of the critical infrastructure needed for a resilient, affordable and decarbonised power system.”
Johannes Steck, Co-Founder of SDP Energie, added: “Developing transmission-connected battery storage projects in Germany requires deep local expertise, persistence and trusted relationships. We have built an exceptional pipeline on that foundation, and we are excited to now focus on transforming these projects into operating assets and critical infrastructure for Germany’s energy system as part of the Zenobē team.”
Peter Zickgraf, Co-Founder of SDP Energie, said: “Battery storage will be crucial to enhancing the sustainability and resiliency of the Germany energy system. The integration of sdp energie’s experienced team with Zenobē’s technical, financial and operational capabilities creates a strong and well-positioned developer and operator of BESS. Together, these complementary strengths will accelerate the deployment of BESS in Germany.”
James Basden, Co-Founder and Director at Zenobē, said: “We are excited to bring together two businesses that share strong leadership, leading technical capability and a similarly innovative mindset. The acquisition of sdp energie demonstrates Zenobē’s commitment to supporting transmission system operators, regulators and energy system operators in Europe and the US as they transition to a zero-carbon grid.”
“We intend to buy more transmission scale projects and to work with leading offtake providers looking for a proven partner for flexibility services. Together we can make clean power more reliable and more affordable for Germany’s consumers and businesses.”
The announcement follows the financial close of Zenobē’s 200MW/800MWh Coalburn BESS project in Scotland, described by the company as the UK’s first four-hour duration battery, with recruitment for battery storage development roles in Germany now underway.
Image: James Basden, Co-Founder and Director, Zenobē, Peter Zickgraf, Co-Founder, SDP Energie, Johannes Steck, Co-Founder, SDP Energie, Jonathan Wagner, Co-Founder, SDP Energie and Semih Oztreves, Chief Commercial Officer (BESS), Zenobē. Credit: Zenobē.
