An electricity storage system can do more than just store energy and provide it when needed - it can actively earn money.

When it comes to battery storage, many people first think of emergency power or self-consumption. However, modern storage solutions have long been independent players in the electricity market. Used correctly, they offer new sources of revenue through participation in two central markets: the spot market and the balancing energy market. This is particularly interesting for operators of PV systems and industrial energy consumers.

Spot market: Buy electricity when it is cheap – sell it when it is needed

The spot market is where electricity is traded at short notice – often only hours in advance. This is exactly where battery storage systems come into their own. They charge during the day when PV systems generate a lot of cheap electricity. In the evening – when electricity demand rises and prices are high – they feed this electricity back into the grid.

Especially in intraday trading, i.e., within the current day, storage systems can react flexibly and within seconds to price fluctuations. This makes them economically attractive and enables additional income.

Control energy market: Grid stability as a service

To keep our power grid stable, the amount of electricity generated must always be exactly equal to the amount consumed. If the balance fluctuates, the control energy market steps in.

• Primary control power (PRL): reacts to frequency deviations within seconds.

• Secondary control power (SRL): compensates for sustained fluctuations – after approximately 5 minutes.

• Minute reserve (MRL): provides support when major imbalances persist for longer periods.

Battery storage systems are ideal for PRL and SRL: they respond quickly, accurately, and automatically – perfect for flexible grid deployment.

Added value through market combination

A battery storage system does not have to choose one market over another. With intelligent energy management, it can trade on the spot market during the day and provide control energy at night. This increases utilization and boosts returns – without additional effort for the operator.

Battery storage systems have long been more than just storage technology. In combination with the spot and control energy markets, they become active revenue generators. New opportunities arise to participate flexibly and profitably in the energy market – sustainably, digitally, and close to the market.