A battery storage system from Austrian manufacturer CellCube has now been commissioned at the Nagel-Group’s Bochum logistics centre. It complements the existing rooftop photovoltaic system, which is considered the largest of its kind in the Ruhr region.
Storing electricity instead of feeding it into the grid
Until now, around 40-50% of the solar power generated could not be used directly and had to be fed into the grid.
Thanks to the new storage facility, which has a capacity of 2.5 MWh, this electricity can now be temporarily stored and used locally, for example, to power cooling systems and charging infrastructure for electric lorries and industrial vehicles.
Reducing costs and absorbing peak loads
By increasing its rate of self-consumption, the company expects to save up to €450,000 per year in electricity costs. At the same time, the system enhances supply security, particularly in critical areas such as temperature-controlled logistics. In the event of a power outage, the storage unit can act as a short-term backup power source.
Another technical advantage lies in peak load management: the system can buffer short-term consumption spikes—such as when several electric lorries are being charged simultaneously—with up to 666 kW of power output, thereby reducing grid charges.
The Bochum facility is regarded as a pilot project. According to the company, further logistics centres, including one in Hamburg, are already in the planning phase for similar systems.
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Vanadium flow technology for long-term use
Technologically, the Nagel-Group has opted for a vanadium redox flow battery, which operates with non-flammable, water-based electrolytes. According to the manufacturer, the system is stable at temperatures ranging from -40 to +45°C, requires minimal maintenance, and is designed for a lifespan of over 30 years and more than 30,000 charging cycles—with consistent capacity throughout.
The vanadium electrolyte used is primarily sourced from recycled materials, such as by-products of the steel industry, and contains no rare earth elements.
CellCube: A manufacturer with long-standing experience
CellCube, based in Austria, specialises in vanadium flow energy storage systems. The company has installed more than 140 systems worldwide and has operated the world’s oldest flow battery in the field for over 15 years.
CellCube’s systems offer energy availability for durations ranging from four to over 24 hours and are designed for use in critical infrastructure, including industrial and logistics applications.
