High-Performance Grid Booster for a Stable Power Network

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 as Civil EPC Partner

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.

Construction Progress

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

ICPMA Award Recognises Excellent Services in Project Management 

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.