KraftNAV and Photovoltaics 2026: What the Grid Connection Reform Means for PV Investors and Businesses
Excerpt
On December 24, 2025, the amendment to the Power Plant Grid Connection Ordinance (KraftNAV) took effect—fundamentally changing the rules of the game for KraftNAV battery storage systems and grid connection procedures in Germany. Since then, energy storage systems have been completely removed from the scope of the ordinance, and the first-come, first-served principle for granting grid connections has been replaced by a maturity assessment process. This article is aimed at PV investors and companies with their own PV systems who want to understand what the KraftNAV amendment specifically means for battery storage, co-location projects, and grid connection—and what opportunities for action arise from it.
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The KraftNAV reform of December 2025 exempts KraftNAV battery storage systems from the complex power plant grid connection process and replaces the first-come, first-served principle for the allocation of grid connection points with a project-readiness-based allocation process. For PV systems under 100 MW, nothing changes directly—their right to grid connection remains secured under the EEG. The decisive factor is the indirect effect: co-location projects (PV + storage) become easier to structure from a regulatory perspective, while the bottleneck in grid connection capacities continues to serve as a structural safeguard for early investors. Investors planning a system with battery storage today benefit from a regulatory framework that is currently being reorganized—and from a window of opportunity that is closing. If you are a business looking for your own PV system rather than entering as an investor, you can find all the information at Your Own PV System for Your Business.
Table of Contents
Regulation on Grid Connection of Power Plants (KraftNAV): What It Covers – and Who It Affects
The First-Come, First-Served Principle and Its Consequences: 720 GW Stuck in a Traffic Jam
Co-location: How the KraftNAV Reform Simplifies PV + Storage
What does the KraftNAV change mean for investors, specifically?
What does the KraftNAV change mean for companies with their own solar power systems?
On Christmas Eve 2025, the German federal government quietly made history. With a single new sentence added to Section 1(1) of the Power Plant Grid Connection Ordinance (KraftNAV), energy storage facilities were completely removed from Germany’s most bureaucratic grid connection process—and a system that had blocked storage projects and developers for years was fundamentally overhauled. For anyone investing in photovoltaics or planning their own PV system, this is not a footnote but has a direct impact on project timelines, financing plans, and expected returns.
This article explains what the KraftNAV (Regulation on Grid Connection of Power Plants) actually governs, what specific changes the 2025 amendment has brought about in Germany—and what this means for PV investors and companies with their own systems.
1. Power Plant Grid Connection Ordinance (KraftNAV): What It Covers—and Who It Affects
The Power Plant Grid Connection Ordinance (KraftNAV) is the primary regulation governing the grid connection of large-scale power generation facilities in Germany. It regulates the grid connection process for power plants and energy generation facilities with a rated capacity of 100 MW or more connected to lines with a voltage of at least 110 kV (high- and extra-high-voltage grids). The regulation has been in effect since 2007 and primarily applies to conventional power plants as well as very large ground-mounted solar parks and wind farms in the utility-scale segment—that is, facilities where generation, grid integration, and system stability are directly interrelated.
Key points of the Power Plant Grid Connection Ordinance (KraftNAV):
Scope of application: Generation facilities ≥ 100 MW connected to grids with a voltage of at least 110 kV (Legal basis: Section 17(3) of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG))
Allocation principle: First-come, first-served principle – whoever submits a complete application to the grid operator first is given priority in the grid connection process
Procedural deadlines: Grid compatibility assessment within 3 months of advance payment
Reservation fee: €1,000 per MW upon confirmation of connection
Cost exemption: No construction cost subsidies and no grid reinforcement costs for the applicant (Section 8(3) KraftNAV)
For the vast majority of PV systems in Germany, the KraftNAV is simply not relevant: rooftop systems, agri-PV, and medium-sized ground-mounted parks under 100 MW feed into the grid at low or medium voltage and are subject to the EEG connection entitlement under Section 8 of the EEG 2023. Their priority grid connection is guaranteed by law—regardless of the KraftNAV procedure.
The KraftNAV will only become relevant for PV projects involving very large ground-mounted solar farms that are to be connected directly to the extra-high-voltage grid (220/380 kV). And—until December 2025—for all KraftNAV battery storage systems of 100 MW or more, as well as large-scale battery storage systems intended to connect to grids with a voltage of at least 110 kV. This was precisely the core problem: The boom in energy storage systems and large-scale storage projects clashed with a grid connection procedure that had been designed for a small number of conventional power plants—not for hundreds of storage facilities.
Scope of application: Facilities with a voltage of at least 110 kV
The regulation applies to grid connections to lines with a voltage of at least 110 kV—that is, exclusively within the high- and extra-high-voltage grids operated by transmission system operators. Rooftop systems, commercial storage facilities, and medium-sized solar parks that feed into the medium- or low-voltage grid are therefore generally outside the scope of the KraftNAV.
What are battery storage systems—and why are they unique?
Battery storage systems are devices designed to store electrical energy using lithium-ion technology. Energy is stored in battery modules; a bidirectional inverter handles the conversion—it converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) to charge the battery modules, and during discharge, it converts the stored DC back into usable AC. Modern lithium systems achieve an overall efficiency of 90 to 95%.
Battery storage systems play a critical role in the power grid: They balance out short-term fluctuations in a matter of seconds, keep the grid frequency stable at 50 hertz, and enable the temporary storage of excess solar and wind power for periods of high demand. This dual role in both feeding into and drawing from the grid makes storage systems a special case under energy law: they require grid connection capacity for both sides simultaneously—as both a generation and a consumption facility.
The Federal Network Agency puts it succinctly: “Due to their dual role in feeding power into and drawing power from the grid, battery storage systems require grid connection capacity.” The energy law question of whether energy storage systems should be classified as generators or consumers had sparked years of debate. In November 2024, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) clarified (EnVR 17/22): Storage systems are both—at the same time. This dual nature made the application of the KraftNAV to large-scale battery storage systems structurally difficult and the grid connection procedure impractical for project developers.
For a more in-depth look at battery storage, please see our guide.
2. The first-come, first-served principle and its consequences: 720 GW stuck in a traffic jam
The original first-come, first-served principle of KraftNAV had a disastrous side effect: it virtually invited speculation. Anyone who submitted an application to the grid operator early on—even without finalized plans, secured land, or financing—secured their place in line for grid connections. The result was a flood of applications that bore no relation to the number of actual projects.
The historic backlog of grid connection requests
The four transmission system operators had received cumulative grid connection requests totaling 720 GW for large-scale battery storage systems (BDEW analysis, November 2025)—that is nine times the annual peak load of the German grid
The total capacity of installed generation in Germany is approximately 263 GW—the total demand is more than double that figure
Only 2.4 GW of large-scale storage facilities were actually in operation by the end of 2025 (Modo Energy) – there was a dramatic gap between the number of applications and the actual storage capacity connected to the grid
Although 78 GW had been approved, by no means all of it was in operation—nearly all available grid connection points on the transmission grid have been reserved for the next five years
Distribution network operators received an additional 400 GW in connection requests for energy storage systems (Federal Network Agency, 2024)
The result: projects that were ready for construction did not make it onto the grid
Feasible storage projects that were ready for construction were not connected to the grid because the limited grid capacity was blocked by speculative applications filed early on. Facilities that could have actually contributed to the energy supply were left waiting in line behind projects with no real basis.
A rough calculation illustrates the scale of the situation: while 2.4 GW are actually in operation, there are 720 GW in requests—which corresponds to a realization rate of just 0.33%. The conversion rate of grid connection requests to actual projects is thus in the single-digit per mille range.
A BDEW survey found that 63% of companies with co-location plans received either no response, a rejection, or the message “no grid connection possible until the end of 2028” from the relevant grid operator. For the expansion of large-scale battery storage systems alone, this figure was as high as 79%.
This structural problem—rather than the technology or the economic viability of projects—was the real risk factor for investment in the German large-scale energy storage market. The solution had to come from the regulatory level. It arrived just in time for Christmas.
The following section explains what the federal government has specifically decided and what the new § 1(1) of the KraftNAV means in practice.
3. The KraftNAV amendment of December 2025 in detail
On December 24, 2025, the first amendment to the Power Plant Grid Connection Ordinance since its introduction in 2007 took effect (Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 368). The process leading up to the amendment proceeded at record speed:
Timeline for the KraftNAV change
November 26, 2025: Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Reiche announces a reform and cites the grid connection backlog as the main obstacle to expanding energy storage capacity
December 2, 2025: BMWK publishes draft bill – associations given 24 hours to submit comments
December 10, 2025: Cabinet decision
December 19, 2025: The Federal Council approves
December 24, 2025: Regulation takes effect
The new § 1(1) of the KraftNAV: One sentence changes everything
The amendment itself is worded succinctly in regulatory terms—a single new sentence in Section 1(1) of the regulation:
"This regulation does not apply to energy storage facilities as defined in Section 3(36) of the Energy Industry Act."
The application of the Power Plant Grid Connection Ordinance to energy storage facilities is thus completely eliminated. The federal government officially justifies the change by stating that the previous application of the KraftNAV to battery storage projects led to the improper treatment of these facilities—since the procedural rules of the KraftNAV, which were designed for a small number of large power plants, were simply not tailored to the large number of grid connection requests from large-scale battery storage systems.
Objectives of the KraftNAV amendment and planned successor regulation
The exclusion of battery storage systems from the KraftNAV serves three regulatory objectives:
Eliminating legal uncertainties: The unclear classification of storage facilities as generation or consumption facilities has led to parallel proceedings and legal uncertainty—this is no longer the case.
Replacing the first-come, first-served approach in the allocation of scarce grid connection capacity: Speculative applications with no intention of implementation have blocked genuine projects—the new maturity-based process prioritizes projects based on their level of readiness.
Enabling storage-specific regulations: This exemption creates room for a new grid connection procedure tailored to battery storage. Together with grid operators and the Federal Network Agency, the Federal Government is planning a rule-based grid connection and reservation procedure (Ref. No. BK6-24-245) that addresses the current challenges regarding grid connection capacity and improves the allocation of connection capacity. Starting April 1, 2026, the transmission system operators’ maturity assessment procedure will serve as the first step toward achieving this goal.
Elimination of the Cost Privilege: What Now Applies to Storage Facilities
What this means in practice:
KraftNAV battery storage systems and all other energy storage systems are no longer covered by KraftNAV—regardless of their capacity
The power plant grid connection process, with its lengthy review periods and first-come, first-served approach, no longer applies to storage facilities
The cost exemption (no construction cost subsidy, no grid reinforcement costs) no longer applies to storage systems: On July 15, 2025 (EnVR 1/24), the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) confirmed that grid operators may charge a construction cost subsidy (BKZ) for grid-connected battery storage systems. The costs for grid connection of battery storage systems may thus include both reservation fees and construction cost subsidies in the future
The grid connection for storage systems is now governed by the general provisions of Section 17 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG)
The transmission system operators’ (TSOs) new maturity assessment procedure will take effect on April 1, 2026 —see Section 6 for more details
Impact on various types of facilities
For PV systems under 100 MW: The KraftNAV was never relevant to them in the first place. The right to connection under the EEG remains expressly unaffected (Section 1(2), sentence 2, KraftNAV). For very large PV parks ≥ 100 MW on the extra-high-voltage grid connected to grids with a voltage of at least 110 kV, the KraftNAV continues to apply unchanged.
For battery storage: The KraftNAV procedure is being completely phased out. Starting in April 2026, the maturity assessment procedure will apply. Existing grid connection commitments remain valid in principle but will be transferred to Section 17 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).
For co-location projects: The need to follow parallel procedures (KraftNAV for storage, EEG for PV) is eliminated. This significantly simplifies project development.
Section 4 specifies which PV systems are specifically affected and where the cutoff point lies.
4. Which solar power systems are affected—and which are not?
The question of which facilities are directly affected by the KraftNAV amendment can be answered clearly—and the answer reassures most project developers and investors.
Not affected by KraftNAV
All rooftop solar systems (typically: 10 kW – 1 MW)
Agri-PV systems
Commercial ground-mounted solar farms under 100 MW
Solar power systems that feed into the medium-voltage or low-voltage grid
All PV systems eligible for EEG subsidies
These facilities are entitled to grid connection under Section 8 of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) and are in no way affected by the amendment to the KraftNAV. Their preferential treatment in the grid connection process compared to other facilities remains fully intact.
Still directly affected (KraftNAV applies)
Very large ground-mounted solar farms ≥ 100 MW connected to the extra-high-voltage grid (220/380 kV) with a voltage of at least 110 kV
These facilities will continue to undergo the full grid connection process in accordance with KraftNAV, including all deadlines and requirements
Indirectly affected – greatest practical relevance
All co-location projects (PV + battery storage at the same grid connection point) – according to BSW-Solar, about 90% of planned solar parks are now combined with storage
The storage component of such hybrid projects is now subject to the new maturity assessment procedure rather than the old KraftNAV procedure
Under the EEG feed-in regime, with its statutory deadlines and preferential treatment, the PV component remains
For most investors and companies, the indirect impact of the KraftNAV amendment is therefore significantly greater than the direct one—because co-location is no longer an exception but has become the new standard for storage projects.
The following section explains how these regulatory changes specifically affect project development at Co-Location.
5. Co-location: How the KraftNAV reform simplifies PV + storage
Co-location refers to the combination of a PV system and battery storage at the same grid connection point. It is the preferred project structure in the modern solar market: According to a study by 8Energies, Enspired, and Goldbeck Solar (February 2026), co-location increases the internal rate of return (IRR) of PV projects by up to 29%. Our article on PV storage in 2026 explains exactly how this works.
RegulatoryFramework for Co-Location: Three Stages of Development
Step 1 – Section 8a of the EEG 2023 (flexible grid connection agreements): A PV system and a storage unit may share the same grid connection point. The installed capacity of the systems may exceed the connection capacity (overcapacity) as long as the actual power fed into the grid never exceeds the connection capacity. Thisflexibility makes co-locationparticularly attractive from an economic standpoint.
Section2 – Section 17( 2b EnWG (Cable Pooling): Enables a shared grid connection line for various generators and storage systems. Operation must be coordinated in such a way that the grid connection is optimized. Typical sizing: 1 MW grid connection point for 1 MWp PV + 0.5 MW/1 MWh storage.
Step 3 – KraftNAV Amendment December 2025: The previous double burden caused byparallel grid connection procedures(KraftNAV for the storage system, EEG for the PV system) is eliminated. Co-location projects can now be planned for the storage component without the complex KraftNAV grid connection procedure. This significantly simplifies development—especially for project developers who previously had to manage two separate procedureswith differentgrid operators.
Benefits of co-location following the reform
No longer a parallel KraftNAV procedure for the storage portion
Standardized Grid Connection Procedure under Section 17 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) / Maturity Assessment Procedure
Planning certainty through clear responsibilities: one process, one network operator
Network connection fees for colocation
Grid connection costs for colocation versus retrofitting storage:Typically €50,000–150,000 in savings whenplanned from the outset (market estimatefor 2026).Planning forstorage from the startnotonlysavesmoney but also months of development time—a critical factor given the currentbottlenecks in grid connection capacity.
Inventoryand network: TheKraftNAV amendment does notcontain any explicit transitional provisions. According to the legislative rationale (BR-Drs. 743/25), grid connection commitments already granted generally remain in effect but are transferred to the new legal basis (Section 17 EnWG). For projects at an advanced stage of development with a final investment decision, the specificlegalimplications should bereviewedona case-by-case basis.
The following section explains the new procedure that will govern the allocation of grid connections for storage facilities starting in April 2026.
6. The new maturity assessment process: Grid connection based on project maturity rather than a first-come, first-served basis
Effective April 1, 2026, the maturity assessment procedure for grid connections to the transmission grid—developed jointly by the four transmission system operators (50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT, TransnetBW)—will take effect. It is the direct successor to the first-come, first-served principle—and marks a paradigm shift in Germany’s grid connection landscape.
The principle: It is no longer the date the application is submitted to the grid operator that determines grid connection, but rather the project’s level of readiness. Those who can demonstrate that their facility is ready for approval, have secured land, and can provide proof of financing will be given priority in the allocation of available grid connection capacity.
The three-phase process
Information and Application Phase (3 months): Submission of the application, including documentation demonstrating the project’s readiness, to the relevant transmission system operator
Cluster study (5 months): Technical review by the network operator and prioritization of all submitted applications based on their level of maturity
Bidding and Reservation Phase: Allocation of Grid Connections Based on Project Maturity Score
Criteria for assessing project readiness
Land acquisition and permit status (Federal Immission Control Act permit, urban land-use planning)
Technical Concept (System Configuration, Network Integration, Operating Mode)
Financial performance (proof of financing, equity ratio)
Grid and system benefits (site quality, contribution to system capacity)
New fee structure for applications
Application fee: €50,000 per application (significantly higher than before—intended to prevent speculative applications)
Performance bond: €1,500 per MW (compared to €1,000 per MW under the old KraftNAV)
The maturity assessment procedure applies to battery storage systems, data centers, electrolysers, and other large consumers connected to the transmission grid. EEG-compliant facilities (PV, wind) and generation facilities ≥ 100 MW remain subject to the KraftNAV or the EEG regime—the procedure does not apply to them.
Critical voices – and what the Federal Network Agency requires of network operators
The BNE (Federal Association of the New Energy Industry) criticizes the fact that a regulatory vacuum arose between December 24, 2025, and April 1, 2026: Energy storage facilities no longer had a KraftNAV, but a new procedure had not yet been established. The BEE criticizes the lack of grandfathering provisions for advanced storage projects with high investment volumes. The Federal Network Agency clarifies: Grid operators must ensure that their processes can handle applications from storage operators with the least possible effort—double burdens resulting from parallel allocation procedures for feed-in and feed-out must be avoided. The TSOs themselves recommend legally mandated technology quotas for grid connections—a sign that the discussion regarding the appropriate regulatory framework for 2026/27 will continue.
The following section explains what the current market conditions and regulatory framework mean for investors in concrete terms.
7. What does the KraftNAV change mean for investors in concrete terms?
The shortage of grid connections is not a temporary problem—it serves as a structural safeguard for investors who are getting involved in completed projects today. The figures on developments in Germany speak for themselves:
16.4 GW of new PV capacity in Germany by 2025 (Federal Network Agency, January 2026)
117 GW of total installed PV capacity – expansion on track to set a new record
215 GW EEG target by 2030 → 19.6 GW of new capacity required per year
63% of those interested in colocation have not received a commitment for grid connection by 2028
Anyone who invests today in a PV project with battery storage that has secured land, a building permit, and a binding grid connection agreement owns something the market won’t be able to replicate for years to come. The difference between 720 GW of demand in grid connection requests and 2.4 GW of large-scale storage capacity actually installed on the grid is not a typo—it is reality, and it protects early investors from competition.
Three Areas of Focus for Investors
1. Check the power connection before investing – this is essential
Before a final investment decision is made, grid connection must be secured on a binding basis. Waiting periods of several years are no longer the exception but the rule. A project developer who cannot provide a concrete commitment for grid connection is not offering a complete investment proposal—regardless of how attractive the other project parameters may be. The question of a secured grid connection is now the most important due diligence issue for every PV project.
2. Plan for co-location from the start—not as an afterthought
The decision for or against storage should not be made only after the grid connection application has been submitted. Those who want to retrofit energy storage systems later will pay more (an additional €50,000–150,000 for a separate grid connection) and lose months. As the article on negative electricity prices and PV investors shows, storage systems provide direct protection against the growing share of negative prices in the grid—573 hours in 2025. Energy that does not have to be curtailed is a return on investment that is not lost.
3. Actively capitalize on the regulatory timeline for 2026–2027
The CfD requirement taking effect in July 2027 will change the revenue structure for all new PV systems. Those that go into operation before that date will secure today’s EEG terms—without a CfD cap—for 20 years. The window is closing—and sufficient lead time is needed for planning, permitting, and grid connection to take advantage of it.
Logic Energy secures grid connections for its projects early in the development phase—before investors come on board. This is part of the investor model explained in "How the Logic Energy Investor Model Works."
For companies planning to install their own PV system, the priorities are sometimes different—as explained in the following section.
8. What does the KraftNAV change mean for companies with their own solar power systems?
Companies planning to install their own PV systems on their rooftops or premises are generally not directly affected by the KraftNAV debate—their systems are well below 100 MW and will be connected through the EEG grid connection process. Their preferential treatment compared to other systems in the grid connection process remains fully intact.
What matters, however, is the broader context —and that has improved as a result of the change.
Commercial electricity prices as the main driver of returns
The commercial electricity price in 2026 will range from 16 to 31 cents per kWh, depending on the volume purchased and the grid tariff zone. The LCOE of a commercial PV system is 5–10 ct/kWh. This difference between electricity generation costs and the purchase price of electricity—and not the EEG feed-in tariff—is the real driver for companies seeking to maximize self-consumption.
Battery storage for businesses – now easier to connect
The KraftNAV exemption for energy storage systems also applies to smaller commercial storage systems: The general connection rules under Section 17 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) now apply uniformly to storage systems of all sizes. Technically, every battery storage system consists of battery modules based on lithium-ion technology—a bidirectional inverter handles the conversion: It converts alternating current to direct current to charge the battery modules and, during discharge, converts the stored direct current back into usable alternating current. Modern lithium systems achieve an overall efficiency of 90 to 95%.
For companies planning to implement peak shaving, optimize self-consumption, or incorporate energy storage into their operations, this regulatory simplification is a positive development. The grid connection process with the relevant distribution system operator is being streamlined.
Planning the right amount of storage – two rules of thumb
A storage tank should be cost-effective and neither too large nor too small. As a general guideline:
Ideally , the storage capacity should be between 1 and 1.5 kWh per kWp of installed PV capacity
Another rule of thumb based on practical experience: 1 kWh of storage capacity per 1,000 kWh of annual electricity consumption
Both guidelines provide an initial reference point—the optimal sizing depends on the load profile, self-consumption target, and grid connection capacity, and should be calculated on a case-by-case basis.
Please note the registration requirement in the Market Master Data Registry
Every battery storage system must be registered with the Federal Network Agency’s Market Master Data Register (MaStR) after commissioning—the deadline is one month after commissioning. Registration applies regardless of the storage capacity and is mandatory for all stationary electricity storage systems. Storage systems and PV systems are registered as separate units.
Take advantage of the window of opportunity for tax optimization – available through the end of 2027
The 30% declining balance depreciation rate for battery storage systems is valid until December 31, 2027. In combination with the investment tax credit (50% upfront, max. €200,000) and the special depreciation allowance (40% over 5 years), companies can claim up to 85% of the storage investment for tax purposes in the first two years. For details on the tax aspects, see the article “Save on Taxes with Photovoltaics in 2026.”
Key Figures at a Glance
Market Trends in Germany (as of March 2026):
720 GW: Cumulative grid connection requests for large-scale battery storage (BDEW analysis, November 2025)
2.4 GW / 3.5 GWh: Actual installed large-scale storage capacity connected to the grid (Modo Energy, end of 2025)
117 GW: Total installed PV capacity in Germany
16.4 GW: PV capacity additions in 2025 (Federal Network Agency, January 2026)
19.6 GW: Annual capacity expansion required to meet the 2030 EEG target
63%: Co-location projects without a grid connection commitment by 2028 (BDEW survey)
KraftNAV procedure (for PV ≥ 100 MW, still in effect):
Grid compatibility assessment: within 3 months of the advance payment to the grid operator
Advance payment (e.g., TransnetBW): €50,000
Reservation fee: €1,000/MW
Contract conclusion: within a maximum of 12 months
New maturity rating procedure (effective April 1, 2026, for storage facilities and large-scale consumers):
Flat-rate grant: €50,000 per application
Performance bond: €1,500 per MW
Duration: approximately 8 months total (3 + 5 months)
Key regulatory information:
KraftNAV amendment effective: December 24, 2025 (Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 368)
New § 1(1) of the KraftNAV: Application to energy storage systems is no longer applicable
TSO Maturity Assessment Process: Effective April 1, 2026
Exemption from grid fees for storage facilities: until August 3, 2029 (Section 118(6) of the Energy Industry Act)
CfD requirement for new PV systems ≥ 100 kW: effective July 1, 2027
This article is intended solely for general informational purposes and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Return figures are based on historical data from the Helm Group and are not a guarantee of future results. For advice tailored to your individual situation, please consult a licensed advisor. All information is provided without warranty. As of March 2026.
About PV Investment → The KraftNAV amendment is reshaping the grid connection landscape—but it does not change the fact that good projects require secured grid connections, finalized permits, and experienced project developers. Learn more about how Logic Energy structures investments.
The KraftNAV amendment is a sign of how quickly the regulatory framework for PV investments can change—in either direction. That is exactly why it pays to speak with someone who actively works with grid operators and regulatory authorities and knows where grid capacity is still available today. Logic Energy designs and builds PV systems with guaranteed grid connection planning and handles the entire development process—from site acquisition to commissioning. If you’d like to know which projects are currently in development and what a specific investment opportunity might look like, feel free to contact us with no obligation. Go to the contact form →
More on the AgNes Reform 2026: You can find the new grid fee structure here →
FAQ
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No. The Power Plant Grid Connection Ordinance applies only to generation facilities with a capacity of 100 MW or more connected to grids with a voltage of at least 110 kV. Commercial rooftop and ground-mounted systems with a capacity of approximately 50–80 MW are not affected by this and will receive their grid connection from the relevant grid operator in accordance with Section 8 of the EEG 2023, with a statutory priority claim.
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As of December 24, 2025, energy storage systems are no longer subject to the KraftNAV. The complex power plant grid connection procedure, with its multi-stage review processes, no longer applies to battery storage systems. Starting April 1, 2026, the transmission system operators’ maturity assessment procedure will apply—project maturity will replace the first-come, first-served principle in the allocation of grid connections.
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The maturity assessment process is the new allocation principle for grid connections to the transmission grid (effective April 1, 2026). Instead of the previous first-come, first-served principle, project maturity will be evaluated based on: land acquisition, permit status, technical design, and financial security. The application fee is €50,000 per application, and the performance bond is €1,500 per MW.
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Generally speaking, no. According to the legislative history (BR-Drs. 743/25), grid connection commitments that have already been granted remain in effect but will be transferred to the new legal basis (Section 17(1), first sentence, of the Energy Industry Act). For projects at an advanced stage of development and involving significant upfront investments, a legal review on a case-by-case basis is recommended, as the amendment does not contain any explicit grandfathering provision for energy storage facilities.
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Yes—absolutely. With 720 GW in pending grid connection requests and actual wait times of several years, a secured grid connection agreement is a key quality indicator of any reputable PV project. A project developer without a binding grid connection commitment cannot offer a complete investment proposal—regardless of the size of the system.
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Co-location refers to the shared use of a grid interconnection point by a PV system and a battery storage system. Following the amendment to the KraftNAV, the previously parallel procedures with the grid operator (KraftNAV for storage, EEG for PV) are no longer required. This significantly reduces planning complexity and costs for storage projects. According to a recent study by 8Energies/Enspired/Goldbeck Solar (February 2026), co-location increases the IRR of PV projects by up to 29%.
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The grid fee exemption under Section 118(6) of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) remains in effect until August 3, 2029, and is not affected by the KraftNAV amendment. Battery storage systems that become operational before that date and meet the technical requirements will continue to benefit from the grid fee exemption—a key component of the revenue model for large-scale storage systems.
References
BDEW – Boom in grid connections for large-scale battery storage systems calls for new regulations – BDEW analysis: 720 GW pipeline, November 2025
BMWK – Federal Cabinet Approves Amendment to the KraftNAV, December 10, 2025
pv magazine – Grid connection procedures for battery storage systems of 100 megawatts or more will no longer be governed by KraftNAV, December 19, 2025
Laws on the Internet – KraftNAV – Regulation Governing the Grid Connection of Electric Power Generation Facilities (Current Version)
Görg Attorneys at Law – Application of the KraftNAV to Large-Scale Battery Storage Systems, December 4, 2025
Görg Attorneys at Law – First Ready Instead of First Come: New Grid Connection Procedure, February 27, 2026
Rödl & Partner – KraftNAV – Back to Square One? New Grid Connection Procedure for Large-Scale Battery Storage Systems
TransnetBW – Transmission System Operator Introduces Maturity Assessment Process, March 1, 2026
Amprion – TSO Introduces Maturity Assessment Process for Grid Connection Applications from Energy Storage Facilities and Large-Scale Consumers
Federal Network Agency – Expansion of Renewable Energies 2025, January 8, 2026
Rosin Büdenbender Attorneys at Law – Amendment to the KraftNAV – Legal Analysis
Gleiss Lutz – New procedure for granting grid connections: Maturity-based approach to replace first-come, first-served system
BNE – Federal Association of the New Energy Industry – Feedback on the maturity assessment process for grid connections, 2026
Contextcrew – Grid Connection of Large-Scale Battery Storage Systems: Applications for 720 GW of Storage Capacity
8Energies / Enspired / Goldbeck Solar via pv magazine – Co-location: Grid-connected storage increases the internal rate of return of PV projects by up to 29%, February 23, 2026
