Energy storage provider INTILION, based in Paderborn, has successfully delivered the components for one of Switzerland’s largest battery storage systems. At the project site in Kappel, not only have the battery containers arrived, but also transformers, inverters, control systems, cabling materials, and other components. The energy storage system, with a capacity of around 65 megawatt-hours, is being built on behalf of the regional energy supplier Primeo Energie.
The project’s success depended not only on the delivery of high-quality hardware but also on the complex logistics coordination. INTILION managed the delivery of all components to Switzerland, taking full responsibility for the international transport logistics of the battery containers. This included the entire route from the manufacturing plant in China, through sea and inland shipping, to the final warehouse in Switzerland — requiring precise planning over multiple stages.
End-to-End Logistics Management – A Key Advantage
INTILION took full responsibility for the transport chain from shipment in China to delivery at the Swiss warehouse, managing all logistical interfaces and coordination. For Primeo Energie, this meant no need for separate coordination with freight forwarders for importing goods into Switzerland, no customs paperwork, and no permit procedures to organize.
“Especially for international projects involving critical infrastructure, a secure, clean, and punctual supply chain is essential,” emphasizes Philipp Knaup, COO of INTILION AG. “This project demonstrated that we can fully manage even complex transports involving sensitive components—from ocean and inland shipping to customs clearance and coordinated warehousing at the destination.” At Primeo’s request, an intermediate storage facility near the project site was arranged, allowing subsequent deliveries to the construction site to be flexible and aligned with construction progress.
Transport Route: From Asia via Rotterdam to Switzerland
Instead of transporting all 16 containers by truck, INTILION deliberately opted for the Rhine waterway route. All containers were shipped together on a single inland vessel from Rotterdam to Birsfelden, Switzerland. This transport solution was not only more efficient and sustainable, but also involved significantly lower risk. Using the Rhine also eliminated the need for complex cross-border permits, which would have been required for road-based special transports.
Flexibility for Unforeseen Project Delays
INTILION was prepared for both direct delivery to the construction site and intermediate storage of components. At the client’s request, the components were first delivered to a dedicated lithium-capable storage facility near the project site, meeting all necessary safety standards (including fire protection distances, compacted ground, and crane access). In addition to the battery containers, inverters, control systems, and cabling materials were also stored professionally. “With the battery storage system in Kappel, we are making a targeted investment in the reliability and flexibility of our energy system,” says Pablo Frezzi, Project Manager Substations at Primeo Energie. “For a project of this scale, smooth delivery of system components is a crucial success factor. Equally important is the close, collaborative partnership among all project participants — it’s the foundation for our shared success.”
In the coming weeks, the delivered components will be assembled, wired, and fully installed on site, followed by the gradual commissioning of the storage system.
This project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the Renewable Energy Solutions Programme of the German Energy Solutions Initiative.
German Energy Agency (dena)
The German Energy Agency (dena) is a centre of excellence for the applied energy transition and climate protec-tion. dena studies the challenges of building a climate-neutral society and supports the German government in achieving its energy and climate policy objectives. Since its foundation in 2000, dena has worked to develop and implement solutions and bring together national and international partners from politics, industry, the scientific community and all parts of society. dena is a project enterprise and a public company owned by the German federal government. dena’s shareholder is the Federal Republic of Germany. www.dena.de/en/
German Energy Solutions Initiative
With the aim of positioning German technologies and know-how worldwide, the German Energy Solutions Initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) supports suppliers of climate-friendly energy solutions in opening up foreign markets. The focus lies on renewable energies, energy efficiency, smart grids and storage, as well as technologies such as power-to-gas and fuel cells. Aimed in particular at small and medium-sized enterprises, the German Energy Solutions Initiative supports participants through measures to prepare market entry as well as to prospect, develop and secure new markets. www.german-energy-solutions.de/GES/Navigation/EN/Home/home.html
Renewable Energy Solutions Programme (RES Programme)
With the RES programme, the German Energy Solutions Initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) helps German companies in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors enter new markets. Within the framework of the programme, reference plants are installed and marketed with the support of the German Energy Agency (dena). Information and training activities help ensure a sustainable market entry and demonstrate the quality of climate-friendly technologies made in Germany. www.german-energy-solutions.de/GES/Redaktion/EN/Basepages/Services/dena-res.html
