A
2 MW / 2 MWh battery storage system is a stationary storage system with a power output of
2 megawatts and a capacity of
2 megawatt-hours. Mathematically, it can provide 2 MW of power for one hour. Storage systems of this size are found at energy-intensive industrial companies, large PV plants, or locations with high power requirements, such as charging parks or electrified processes.
Consider power and capacity separately
The
Power (MW) determines how high the load peaks are that the storage system can absorb. The
capacity (MWh) determines for how long. In practice, both values are often mentioned together, but the design can deviate significantly:
| Design |
Storage Duration |
Typical Focus |
| 2 MW / 2 MWh |
approx. 1 hour |
high, short load peaks, fast control tasks |
| 1 MW / 2 MWh |
approx. 2 hours |
peak shaving over longer time windows, PV shifting |
| 2 MW / 4 MWh |
approx. 2 hours |
combination of peak shaving, self-consumption, and energy trading |
The evaluation of the
load profile shows which combination is useful: height and duration of peaks, PV surpluses, and the capacity of the grid connection.
How a storage system of this size is implemented with Voltfang
Control is handled by an
energy management system that evaluates load profile, generation, and electricity prices.
Classification: Commercial, Industrial, or Large-Scale Storage?
A 2 MW storage system lies in the transition from
industrial battery storage behind the meter to
large-scale battery storage. If it is located at a business, it primarily serves to reduce demand charges and increase self-consumption. If it is connected directly to the grid or to a solar or wind farm,
grid-serving tasks and energy trading are the main focus.
Typical applications
- Peak shaving for companies with high power peaks and correspondingly high grid fees.
- Self-consumption from large rooftop or ground-mounted PV systems.
- Grid connection buffering for charging parks, electrification of processes, or production expansions.
- Intraday trading and other revenue sources with free capacity (multi-use).
Putting costs into perspective
The costs of a 2 MW storage system depend not only on the capacity but also on power electronics, medium-voltage connection, installation (outdoor cabinets or containers), fire protection, permitting, and energy management. The decisive factor for profitability is the savings at the site. General cost factors are described in our article
on the costs of commercial storage systems. Entry is possible via
leasing without an initial investment.
Case Studies
- Kerschgens Steel Trading: originally planned with 1 MWh, expanded to 2.8 MWh at the end of 2025; load peaks reduced from 400 kW to under 250 kW.
- Fiege, Greven: Storage at the logistics site for PV self-consumption, peak shaving, and energy trading, at the existing 10 kV grid connection. Phase 1 with 2.5 MWh since Q4 2025, expansion to 5 MWh and 2.4 MW planned by 2027.
Related Storage Sizes
The smaller level is described in the article on
1 MW / 1 MWh battery storage, while the entry into commercial and industrial sectors is covered in the article on
500 kW battery storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a 2 MW and 2 MWh battery storage system mean?
Such a storage system has a power output of 2 megawatts and a capacity of 2 megawatt-hours. Mathematically, it can deliver 2 MW of power for one hour.
What is the difference between 2 MW and 2 MWh?
2 MW describes the power, i.e., how much electricity the storage system can deliver or absorb at any given moment. 2 MWh describes the amount of energy stored.
For which companies is a 2 MW storage system worthwhile?
Primarily for energy-intensive businesses with high power peaks, locations with large PV systems, and companies that want to operate additional consumers such as charging parks without immediately expanding the grid connection.
How is a 2 MWh storage system built with Voltfang?
With the Voltfang 3 commercial storage system (255 kWh, 125 kW per unit), eight units mathematically result in around 2 MWh at 1 MW of power. For 2 MW of power, 16 units with around 4 MWh are required. From 2.5 MW and 5.3 MWh, the Voltfang 3 Plus large-scale battery storage container is an option.
Is a 2 MW battery storage system considered large-scale storage?
That depends on the application. Behind a company’s grid connection, it is usually considered industrial battery storage. Operated directly on the grid or at generation plants, it is counted among large-scale battery storage systems.
What does a 2 MWh battery storage system cost?
The costs depend on capacity, power, grid connection, installation, safety concept, and energy management. A reliable price is only available in the project context. Voltfang provides a free initial assessment based on the load profile.
