Grid Stability
The grid booster enhances network stability, reduces operating costs, and enables more efficient use of existing and new transmission lines.
CDM Smith is supporting the development of one of the world’s largest grid‑scale battery storage systems, providing Civil EPC services.
Fluence Energy GmbH
Kupferzell, Germany
In Kupferzell, Baden-Württemberg, the world’s largest grid booster is currently under construction. CDM Smith is supporting the project and contributing to Germany’s energy transition.
The grid booster enhances network stability, reduces operating costs, and enables more efficient use of existing and new transmission lines.
CDM Smith supports the Kupferzell grid booster as a Civil EPC partner across all project phases.
A digital 3D model supports detailed design and is continuously developed throughout the construction phase.
CDM Smith received the prestigious Sustainability Award for outstanding contribution to the Gridbooster Kupferzell project.
The Kupferzell grid booster in northeastern Baden-Württemberg sets new standards in large-scale battery storage, with a capacity of 250 MW for one hour across an area of approximately 4.5 football fields (around 34,000 m²). The system helps reduce operating costs in the German transmission grid, enables more efficient use of existing and new power lines, and stabilises the grid within milliseconds in the event of transmission line failures.
CDM Smith was involved in the approval planning and is responsible for the comprehensive services for execution planning and construction. As part of the execution planning, CDM Smith has crafted a 3D model (BIM) depicting the future battery storage system, with ongoing refinement slated throughout the construction process.
After having received the approval for an early construction start and partial completion of the detailed construction planning, CDM Smith began preparatory groundworks and general site development in September 2023. In 2024, construction activities began, including the installation of foundations for the battery systems, as well as associated inverters and transformers. In addition, a control building with supporting infrastructure is being constructed, along with drainage systems, storage and cable ducts. Roadworks, external facilities, and landscaping measures are also integral parts of the project. Since 2025, the grid booster transformer has been installed on site. Furthermore, the first subnests have been successfully equipped with battery cubes and inverters.
We are very proud to be able to make such a significant contribution to Germany's national energy transition.
Benjamin Bartsch, Head of Business Development Europe
Grid booster Kupferzell was already awarded the ICPMA Sustainability Award at the ICPMA Awards Ceremony 2023. The ICPMA Award is a prestigious award that honors excellence and innovation in project management. For many years, companies and organizations have been recognized for their expertise and dedication to providing outstanding solutions in the construction and infrastructure industry. At the award ceremony, Dr Constantin Prins (Project Management), Benjamin Bartsch and Lukas Wallrabe (both Business Development) accepted the award in the presence of our client Fluence Energy, represented by Timothy Frantz.