Recording of Monday, June 22, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 12:12 .

Energy Transition and Infrastructure Challenges in Germany

H&MV Engineering focuses on high-voltage grid connections for data centers and battery energy storage systems, primarily at 380 kV and 110 kV levels. Germany, having the second most reliable power grid globally, has achieved high efficiency through significant investments in renewable energy, despite challenges from the phase-out of nuclear reactors. The demand for energy, particularly from data centers, is increasing rapidly, with trends indicating growth toward gigawatt-scale facilities. Load fluctuations are significant, with instances of rapid increases and drops in energy demand. Key projects include a 500 megawatt data center in Berlin requiring a new 380 kV grid line, a 400 megawatt battery energy storage system at a former nuclear site, and ongoing issues with integrating inverter technology for grid stability. Large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are crucial at campus levels for load management and renewable integration, while rack-level solutions address the volatility from AI workloads. Innovations like E-Statcom systems are being developed to stabilize frequency fluctuations and enhance grid operators' response to dynamic load changes.

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Speaker

Dr. Ralf Bucher
European Chairperson
H&MV GmbH
Germany

Talk of session: Powering AI: Data Centers Need Intelligent Energy Solutions: Why Not BESS?

Over the past few years, there has been consistent growth in the number of data centers. Immense further growth is expected in the coming years, mostly driven by artificial intelligence. The resulting increase in the demand for energy and grid connection capacity (approx. 80%), highly dynamic load profiles and sustainable backup solutions pose major challenges for operators and project developers. This session will highlight how battery storage is opening up new avenues toward a solution to this problem.

Further Talks of this session:

Use of Battery Storage Systems to Optimize the Grid Connection Capacity of Data Centers

Speaker

Dr. Simon Koch
Senior Project Manager
Arcadis Germany GmbH
Germany

To Talk

The Convergence of Power and AI Infrastructure, How Combined Energy Hubs With Generation, Storage and AI Data Centres Reduce Risk and Improve Returns for All Participants

Speaker

Liam Newcombe
SVP Product & Energy Strategy
Greenscale Data Centres
United Kingdom

To Talk

Panel Discussion

To Talk