Since 1 April 2026, the four transmission system operators (TSOs) – 50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT and TransnetBW – have been granting grid access to energy storage facilities and large-scale consumers, e.g. large-scale battery storage systems, data centres and electrolysers, as part of a so-called maturity assessment process.
The aim of introducing the maturity assessment procedure is to replace the ‘first-come, first-served’ principle previously in force – under which grid connections were granted solely on the basis of the order in which applications were submitted – with a structured procedure that leads to a higher success rate. According to the transmission system operators, the reason for this procedural change was the enormous increase in grid connection requests for large-scale generators and consumers, as well as large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), since 2024. By introducing the maturity assessment process, the transmission system operators aim to ensure that projects with a high likelihood of implementation and high quality can be prioritised in the event of oversubscription. Confirmation from the Federal Network Agency is still pending. Following the deadline on 30 June, the transmission system operators have collated the applications received for the first cycle of the maturity assessment procedure: a total of 346 applications with a cumulative draw-off capacity of 155.4 GW were submitted.
As part of the maturity assessment procedure, applications for the authorisation of large-scale consumers or large-scale storage facilities are collected, assessed and decided upon on a cyclical basis. In addition to the minimum formal requirements and a participation fee, participants – known as applicants – are assessed against defined maturity criteria should applications exceed the available grid connection capacity. The four key criteria are
A – Securing of land and status of approvals,
B – Technical installations and connection concept,
C – the applicant’s capacity,
D – Grid and system benefits
Particularly with regard to point A – securing land – applicants are reliant on cooperation with landowners. This is because the minimum requirement for proving that land has been secured is the submission of an exclusivity agreement, or alternatively a preliminary purchase agreement or an option agreement, for the duration of the application process. A notarised reservation agreement for the potential acquisition of the land, a long-term land lease agreement or even the actual acquisition of the land all contribute significant additional points towards the assessment in the maturity assessment procedure.
The very fact that proof of land availability is placed at the top of the maturity assessment criteria demonstrates that, for success within the maturity assessment process, it is essential and fundamental for planners of energyor large-scale battery storage facilities. Owners of suitable land are advised, when concluding contracts to secure land in preparation for participation in the maturity assessment process, to ensure that the contractual structure is forward-looking and aligned with the objectives of the maturity assessment process, in order to safeguard the project’s chances of realisation whilst also protecting their own interests.
(Source: www.netztransparenz.de)