May 06, 2026
ProjectKey technology for a renewable energy system
As the share of wind and solar power grows, the energy system faces a fundamental challenge: electricity is increasingly generated when it is not needed immediately. At the same time, demand for flexibility is rising to ensure security of supply and grid stability. The Oberndorf project addresses exactly this need.
Utility-scale battery storage systems play a central systemic role in this environment. They respond within milliseconds to stabilise frequency and the grid, decouple electricity generation from consumption over time, support the integration of renewables without overloading the grid, and help reduce system costs — for example by lowering curtailment of renewable generation. Battery storage therefore provides the flexibility a progressively renewable power system requires.
Technical specifications and context
The battery storage system, with an output of 18 megawatts and a capacity of 36 megawatt-hours, can store energy and feed it back into the grid within milliseconds when needed. This balances fluctuations and makes renewable energy more usable. A full discharge corresponds roughly to the energy required to pump 13,000 tonnes of water 1,000 metres uphill or to drive approximately 180,000 kilometres in an electric car.
Representatives of Blackvolt, including managing directors Greg Green, Constantin Vana, and Johannes Srajer, as well as State Councillor for Energy Maximilian Aigner and Mayor Georg Djundja, were among those attending the groundbreaking ceremony.
For the municipality of Oberndorf, the facility represents an important step in local development. Mayor Georg Djundja: "The decision to build a battery storage facility of this scale in Oberndorf shows that our region is an attractive location for future technologies. At the same time, we are making a concrete contribution to the energy transition."
Significance for Salzburg and outlook
With the Oberndorf project, Salzburg strengthens its role as an important node in Austria's energy system. The company plans to implement several additional battery storage projects by the end of 2026 and to further expand its position as one of Austria's leading developers and operators of energy storage.
The facility is expected to play a central role in the region's energy system from the first quarter of 2027 onwards, balancing fluctuations from renewable sources such as wind and solar through storage and flexible dispatch.
"We are building Salzburg's first large-scale battery storage system. Salzburg sits at an interface in the energy system — precisely where high-performance storage solutions are needed to advance the energy transition efficiently. Given increasing volatility in European electricity markets and the rapid expansion of renewables, battery storage is becoming central infrastructure for system stability. We have built our platform to develop projects at the highest standard — fully permitted and secured on the grid side. Close, partnership-based collaboration with all stakeholders matters greatly to us — from the State of Salzburg and the municipality to further project partners. That the first stand-alone large-scale battery storage system is being built here sends a strong signal for the region's capacity for innovation."
State Councillor Maximilian Aigner added:
"For a successful energy transition, we need the right building blocks — from generation and grids to storage. The battery storage plant in Oberndorf is exactly that: an infrastructure project that makes our energy system fit for the future. Grid-beneficial storage helps use renewable energy optimally, keep the grid stable, and increase security of supply. Salzburg is once again demonstrating that we are among the pioneers in developing modern energy technologies."
About Blackvolt Energy
Blackvolt Energy GmbH is an Austrian developer and operator of stand-alone utility-scale battery storage systems based in Steyr and Vienna. The company is building one of Austria's largest battery storage platforms, with more than 300 MW of ready-to-build projects and a development pipeline of over 1.2 GW. Blackvolt is supported by Clarence Capital Partners, an international investment firm focused on energy and infrastructure.
Founded in 2024 in Steyr, Blackvolt combines local experience with international backing from its founding partner Clarence Capital Partners. The goal is the step-by-step development of battery storage in Austria as a contribution to a stable, clean, and independent energy supply. Blackvolt brings experience from numerous energy projects across Europe and focuses on long-term collaboration with municipalities, companies, and local communities.
Blackvolt is taking the step towards becoming a long-term owner and operator of energy storage and is building one of Austria's leading independent power generation platforms.
Further information: www.blackvolt.at
