Battery energy storage: a new economic asset for industrial sites

BESS Perlen AG, a Swiss joint venture between Perlen Industrieholding AG and the Valyou Investment Foundation, is investing in a 10 MW/20 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Supplied by ADS-TEC Energy, the system will be installed at the site of paper product manufacturer Perlen Papier AG. Commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Beyond strengthening the site’s energy infrastructure, the battery will allow the company to transform a storage installation into a new source of revenue. By storing electricity when market conditions are favorable and monetizing it at the optimal time, industrial companies can better exploit the flexibility of their energy consumption and production.

Initially, the Perlen system will primarily be used to provide ancillary services, which contribute to the balance and stability of the electricity grid. Ultimately, the battery will also participate in day-ahead and intraday electricity markets, opening up further revenue streams. The wattss group is managing the project comprehensively, from its development through to its technical and market integration.

A fully fledged economic asset

The project highlights an evolution in the role of batteries at industrial sites. Rather than merely acting as a tool for securing or optimizing electricity supply, they can become fully fledged economic assets that generate complementary revenue. Depending on the site’s configuration and market conditions, storage allows operators to monetize energy flexibility and multiply electricity-linked revenue streams.

With this installation, Perlen intends to continue transforming its industrial site into a genuine energy hub, capable of actively participating in electricity markets while developing new sources of long-term value.

“With this battery energy storage system, we are resolutely pursuing the transformation of our Perlen industrial site into a modern energy hub and opening up new sources of value creation. Energy is becoming an additional economic asset for our activities,” said Dr. Florian Geiger, CEO of Perlen Industrieholding AG and Perlen Papier AG.