Eku Energy, a global player in the battery storage business, announced its entry into the German market with the acquisition of the Dion battery storage facility in Rinteln, Lower Saxony. This marks Eku Energy's first project in Germany, featuring a rated power of 400MW and a battery storage capacity of 1,600MWh. The Dion battery storage facility is one of the largest in Germany. It will contribute to Germany's energy security by connecting directly to the transmission grid and providing essential grid services, including black start capability*1. The project is currently in the final stages of development, with operations scheduled to commence by the end of 2029. Image of the Dion Battery Storage Facility *1 Black start capability refers to the ability of a power plant to start up without relying on an external power supply, enabling the restoration of power generation facilities and the power grid in the event of a large-scale blackout. Germany Becomes Eku Energy's Sixth Market Globally Eku Energy is a joint venture between British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) and funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), a leading global asset manager with A$722.1 billion in assets under management. Eku Energy has entered into a development services agreement with Nion Energiesysteme GmbH (hereinafter referred to as "Nion"), the developer of the Dion battery storage facility. Under this agreement, Nion will continue to be responsible for the project's development until it reaches the construction-ready stage. Eku Energy will provide strategic leadership in development, design, and technology. Eku Energy will also collaborate with Fluence, a long-standing partner in the supply of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, to advance the project. Building a Long-Term Battery Storage Market in Germany Erin Lee, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Eku Energy, stated: "Eku Energy's core strength lies in combining technical expertise with extensive commercializat